South Sudan army to ‘forcibly’ disarm youth in volatile state

By AFP
June 10, 2025
Fighters accompanying the governor of Sudan’s Darfur State exit a vehicle during a stopover in the eastern city of Gedaref. — AFP/File
Fighters accompanying the governor of Sudan’s Darfur State exit a vehicle during a stopover in the eastern city of Gedaref. — AFP/File

JUBA: South Sudan’s army said on Monday it would carry out a voluntary then “forceful” disarmament of young people in an area where President Salva Kiir has announced a state of emergency.

The young nation, which gained independence in 2011, has been plagued by insecurity and poverty despite its oil riches. Kiir declared a six-month emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County last week after a surge of violent inter-communal cattle raids.

They are a frequent problem in South Sudan, where water is scarce and grazing lands heavily contested. “There is too much violence,” said a resident of Tonj North in Warrap State who gave only a single name, Lual, due to security fears.