Warrap State chiefs agree to punish those carrying guns illegally.

The local chiefs of Rualbet and Madhiath Payams of Tonj North County, Warrap State and the high-level security committee headed by Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Santino Deng Wol, Inspector General Police, Majak Akech and Director General of Internal Security Bureau, Gen Akol Koor Kuc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The security team’s visit to the area led to residents voluntarily handing over more than 600 AK 47 rifles, PKMs and 121 stolen cattle within Tonj North County, Warrap State.

Gen Akol Koor Kuc signed on behalf of security whereas the chiefs signed on behalf of their communities. The ceremony was witnessed by Chief of Defense Force, Gen Santino Deng Wol and Acting Commissioner of Tonj North County, Bak Ajuot Kuot at Rualbet Payam of Tonj North County. 

The chiefs say the MOU includes a clause that whoever will be found carrying firearm(s) without authorization will be disowned by respective authorities (Rualbet and Madhiath Payams).

The MOU further dictates that; anyone apprehended for the offense will be sentenced to imprisonment for a period less than 10 years or forcefully recruited into the army.

Warrap State government recently announced that 18 soldiers and seven armed youth were killed in clashes between the two groups in Rualbet Payam of Tonj North County.

Authorities says violence has been on an increase in Warrap State due to cattle raiding, revenge attacks as a result proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of unauthorized people.

There have been several clashes between government troops and armed youth in the area whenever the army tried to disarm the youth.