PIBOR, South Sudan, July 25, 2024 – Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have issued an order banning civilians from carrying firearms in Pibor Town to enhance security and reduce violence.
The ban, which took effect on July 22, 2024, aims to pacify the town, according to GPAA Information Minister Oleyo Akwer Nyalus. Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Minister Oleyo cited increased incidents of looting humanitarian trucks, road ambushes, and killings during communal events, particularly between the Kurennen and Lango age sets, as reasons for the ban.
“To contain these insecurity incidents, an order has been issued that no civilians should be seen with a firearm like an AK-47 or even spears within a radius of 10 kilometers from the town,” Minister Oleyo stated.
He urged the youth to comply with the order, warning that violators would face severe consequences. “Chiefs and youth were engaged in a meeting before this order was issued, and they all agreed. So anyone who defies the ban will be arrested, and legal action will be taken against them,” he said. “We have now started with Pibor, with the possibility of extension to the headquarters of the other seven counties.”
