SSPDF orders firearms registration, bans unauthorized movement with guns

The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has announced a ban on unauthorized movement of individuals carrying firearms and has ordered the immediate registration of all weapons.

According to a press release obtained by The Radio Community, the SSPDF emphasized that only personnel or units on official duty will be exempted from the ban, provided they present a valid and authentic departure order.

“The SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, through the office of the Army Spokesperson, would like to issue the following directives for immediate execution, “SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, hereby bans unauthorized movement of security personnel with individual/unit firearms,” the statement reads.

Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF spokesperson, warned that any individual found transporting firearms without proper authorization will have their weapons confiscated and could face administrative or disciplinary action based on the offense.

On the issue of firearms registration, Maj. Gen. Koang stated that all armed civilians, particularly those living in government or SSPDF-controlled areas, are required to begin registering their personal or clan-owned weapons immediately.

To facilitate this process, local authorities including traditional chiefs, Boma, Payam, and County officials have been tasked with overseeing and conducting the registration exercise.

Gun owners have been given a one-month deadline to complete the registration process. Afterward, they must voluntarily surrender their weapons to the designated authorities at the registration centers.

“Failure to comply will result in forceful disarmament,” Koang warned.

He added that once the disarmament process is concluded, the SSPDF will ensure maximum protection and security for the disarmed communities.

The SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces also renewed calls for SPLA-IO soldiers, especially those in hiding or scattered in remote areas to report to the nearest SSPDF barracks or government outposts and resume their duties.

SPLA-IO personnel near Juba are specifically instructed to report to Digali Training Center for further guidance.

The SSPDF has ordered its forces to halt all hostilities against SPLA-IO units stationed in designated cantonment areas, as well as civilians engaged in everyday activities.