Authorities in Aweil South County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, have imposed a five-day dusk to dawn curfew ahead of the festive season.
No one will be allowed to move starting from 9 PM except patients going to the hospital, according to the order.
Luka Thel, county commissioner, says only security forces will patrol the areas to ensure the safety of people attending mass prayers.
“From today up to date 23, we do not want any unnecessary movements on the roads from 9:00 PM forwards,” he told Akol Yam on Tuesday. “So, everyone must be at home with his family to wait for Christmas and to celebrate peacefully.”
Thel urged organized forces to also work hard against suspected criminals who may want to loot people’s valuables at night during the celebrations.
Some of the community members who spoke to this media outlet welcomed the initiative.
“We have agreed with the order which had been issued by the commissioner because random night movement within the county is not good and we want only security to take responsibility to protect civilians and their properties across Aweil south,” said Simon Lual.
During festive season, crime rates increase, particularly cases of burglary, robbery, and drunk and disorderliness.
For his part, another resident, Dominic Deng, appealed to the county authorities to also ban night parties, which normally attract rowdy youth.
He said: “No random movement and wearing of outfights which do not show one is a responsible person during celebration. We don’t want unnecessary parties, we want everyone to attend the prayers.”
Last week, traffic police deployed officers on the main roads within the town to prevent road accidents during the festivities.