South Sudan People’s Defense Force gives armed youth a one-week ultimatum to voluntarily surrender their guns.
By Wek Atak Kacjang
The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has given armed youth in Warrap and Unity states, especially Mayom County, a one-week ultimatum to voluntarily surrender their guns.
This action follows an incident in which a group of armed youth ambushed SSPDF soldiers on May 1, 2025, in Ngap-Agok Payam, Tonj East County, Warrap State. The youth surrendered eight of the seized weapons after the attack, during which they disarmed the soldiers.
After the ambush, Former Warrap State Governor Magook Magook issued stern warnings to the youth, demanding the immediate return of the stolen weapons.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj Lul Ruai announced that a coordinated and simultaneous disarmament exercise will be launched in Warrap and Mayom.
Recently, residents of Gogrial East County in Warrap State fled their homes after SSPDF helicopter gunships bombed certain areas in the county.
However, the gunship crew, who were foreigners, mistakenly bombed the wrong location.
The gunships targeted the Awut-Wut Primary Health Care Unit, causing health workers to flee and leaving patients behind. The airstrikes led to
partial displacement in the area, but residents have since returned home.
The incident underscores the ongoing violence in Warrap State, characterized by intercommunal conflicts, cattle raiding, and the proliferation of small arms. Previous warnings have been issued in neighboring Twic County after a similar incident involving youth seizing rifles from a military garrison in Turalei.
