The South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF) on Friday said it is awaiting orders from Juba to start comprehensive civilian disarmament in Unity State.
This was revealed to Juba Echo by Maj.Gen William Manyang Mayak the commander of the SSPDF Infantry Division Four.
“I am waiting for the order to begin and it will be peaceful disarmament which will involve traditional chiefs, cattle camp leaders and spiritual leaders,” said Manyang at the Division Four headquarter.
Manyang added that civilian disarmament will allow freedom of movement, and also reduce on the intermittent communal violence and revenge killings that have left hundreds killed and thousands displaced over the past months in Unity State.
Last year an army general was killed in an incident attributed to revenge killing in Guit County of Unity state.
“Several workshops will be conducted which will involve civil society groups, army youths, paramount chiefs, community elders, church representatives and peace partners before disarmament,” said Manyang.
He disclosed that recently graduated unified forces comprising police and soldiers will collect guns in the hands of civilians.
The 2018 revitalized peace agreement provides for comprehensive civilian disarmament in order to pave way for sustainable peace and security in South Sudan after years of conflict.
