(Mayom, Unity State) – The South Sudan People’s DefenCe Forces (SSPDF) have launched a disarmament campaign in Mayom County, Unity State, as part of ongoing efforts to contain insecurity and reduce intercommunal violence.
The move comes under the six month state of emergency declared by President Salva Kiir, following rising incidents of deadly cattle raids and revenge killings.
The disarmament operation began last Friday in Mayom town and nearby Mankien Payam. It was ordered by SSPDF headquarters in Juba, which instructed armed youth in Warrap State and Mayom County to hand over their weapons voluntarily or face forcible disarmament.
Mayom County Commissioner James Lily Kuol confirmed the start of the campaign and described the situation in Mayom town as “relatively stable” compared to more remote parts of the county. He said the operation would eventually reach all 11 payams, including cattle camps, where many armed youth are concentrated.
“Our goal is peaceful disarmament. But if there is resistance, the forces will act,” Commissioner Kuol told Radio Tamazuj. While specialised SSPDF disarmament units are still expected, Division 4 troops already stationed in Unity State have begun the process.
Local leaders have expressed support for the initiative. Paramount Chief Puok Tuil said the campaign could help reduce crime and stop cycles of revenge killings. “Since the operation began, there has been no violence in Mayom town or Mankien,” he noted.
Michael Tuach Magot, a youth representative, welcomed the campaign but stressed the need for cooperation between the SSPDF and community leaders. “We support the disarmament because these weapons are killing us, especially during cattle raids,” he said. “But the process must involve youth leaders to avoid clashes.”
Magot added that while few weapons were found in the town, the real challenge lies in the countryside. “The cattle camps are still heavily armed. The situation requires careful handling,” he warned.
The campaign follows recent reports from the United Nations highlighting the deadly toll of local conflicts. Since December, hundreds of people have been killed in cattle raids and reprisal attacks. In March alone, over 200 deaths were recorded, with at least 80 more reported in the past few weeks.
South Sudan continues to recover from the 2013–2018 civil war. National peace efforts remain fragile, and many rural regions remain unstable.
Concerns remain about how disarmed youth, especially in isolated cattle camps, will be supported or reintegrated. Given the weak job market and ongoing food insecurity, some fear that disarmament without long term planning could lead to further tensions.
