South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Division 11th in Majak Tiit has called on the armed youth group known as “Gel-weng” in Twic County, Warrap State, to stop causing insecurity in the area and instead join the national army and other organized forces.
Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Juma Rehan Deng, said the
initiative aims to curb cattle raiding, highway robbery, and the illegal
taxation of commercial vehicles.
“We advised them to join the army and nothing called Gel-weng.
Now we are working on this to avoid what is called Gel-Weng. They must join the
army, police, wildlife department, Prison guards and others,” Deng said.
Gel-weng, a Dinka term meaning “protect the cow,” refers to
armed youth who guard cattle from raiders. However, the group has repeatedly
been accused of fueling insecurity through cattle-related violence and clashes
along state highways and in nearby communities.
“They are causing insecurity between Twic and neighbors.
They raided Misseriya cattle and vehicles were looted. This is not good,” Deng continued.
Mayardit FM’s efforts to reach Gel-weng for comment on the
SSPDF’s invitation to join the national army and organized forces were
unsuccessful.