SPLA claims it collected 1000 guns in Pibor

March 10, 2010 (BOR) – Authorities in South Sudan’s troubled state of Jonglei say at least 1000 small arms were retrieved from civilians in a disarmament exercise that started last month, adding that the "search" continues.

Speaking during a rally for the celebration of Women’s Day in Bor town, the capital of Jonglei State, Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk said he is optimistic that peace would return and bloodshed from tribal clashes will cease.

"The SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] have collected 1000 guns and will continue to search until all rifles are in the hand of organized forces," Mr. Manyang said.

Disarmament began in December 2009 in Ayod, Uror, Nyirol and Duk, and covered Bor and Twic East Counties in January 2010. About 6000 guns were collected. In February, the South Sudan army extended the peaceful disarmament exercise to Pibor County, extending disarmament to neighboring tribes that had been accused of frequent raids in January and mid February 2010.

When the SPLA started collecting rifles, there had been no reports of child abduction or cattle raiding in greater Bor and Lou Nuer Counties. However, Pochala County in southern Pibor County had been periodically raided allegedly by Murle tribesmen from Pibor.

The state authorities call upon the people of Jonglei state to give arms to the government peacefully "because we need peace before development," in the words of Mr. Manyang, who also announced the completion of clearance of the road network starting from Gadiang, a modern village east of Twic and Duk Counties. Gadiang is now connected to Bor, Twic, Uror and Duk Counties. The link between Gadiang and Pibor is expected to be done by the end of March. Though the road is only being cleared, Mr. Manyang says further work to raise its standard to an all-seasons pathway will follow immediately.

Jonglei suffered deadly clashes in 2009 when about 1,800 people were killed and thousands were displaced. The government blames the conflicts on illegal arms possessed by civilians and the poor road network. As April polls approach, South Sudanese authorities are swiftly acting by collecting guns to avoid tension during the election.