(KUAJOK) – The government of Warrap State is facing serious financial and operational difficulties in implementing planned disarmament activities under the ongoing state of emergency, a senior state official has confirmed.
Dr Achuil Malei, the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the government does not have enough resources to carry out vital security and public services. He pointed out that the situation is made worse by limited access for humanitarian agencies and a rise in insecurity across the region.
“Lack of resources makes it difficult for the state to implement emergency measures,” Dr Malei said. “We are determined to enforce the state of emergency, but not through forceful disarmament. We will begin with dialogue.”
He explained that the state is not in favour of using military force to disarm civilians. Instead, the government plans to use community dialogue as the first step in addressing the spread of illegal firearms and reducing conflict in the area.
According to Dr Malei, preparations are underway to hold a joint consultation involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), traditional leaders, and local community representatives. The aim of the meeting will be to build consensus and ensure that any disarmament activities are carried out peacefully and with broad community support.
Officials say the collaborative approach is designed to avoid the dangers of confrontational or violent operations, which have in the past triggered clashes between government forces and armed youth groups. Disarmament efforts in parts of South Sudan have a complex history, often linked to cycles of revenge attacks, cattle raiding, and community based militias.
Dr Malei noted that the government is committed to restoring law and order but emphasised that it can only be achieved with proper resources and cooperation from all stakeholders.
With the state currently experiencing budget constraints, authorities say they are engaging partners and donors to explore possible support. At the official exchange rate of July 2025, 1 US Dollar equals 4,600 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). The cost of running even basic operations, such as logistics for security patrols and coordination meetings, runs into millions of pounds monthly, or thousands of US dollars.
The state’s current shortfall has raised concern among both local and national officials who fear that without urgent support, the disarmament plans may stall, possibly worsening the security situation.