Some of displaced civilians from Gondokoro in Juba County following disarmament exercise in the area -Credit: Madrama James/Eye Radio

The Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs has apologized for what he terms as mistakes that occurred during the December 2023 disarmament exercise in Juba County.

The disarmament operations that kicked off on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the capital and its surroundings have since been mired with allegations of harassment and displacement of civilians.

On 31st December 2023, local chiefs in Gondokor Payam of Central Equatoria State said armed forces stormed the area and assaulted the villagers during the disarmament exercise in the area.

Four traditional authorities were reported arrested and detained at an army base for days before they were released.

The disarmament force later announced that it recovered 300 firearms including heavy machine guns in Gondokoro.

However, a local chief refuted the allegations, arguing that only five guns were collected.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Chol Thon Balok said he is sorry for any mistake made during the disarmament exercise.

“Thanks to our forces because Juba is disarmed, and no one died, although there are many mistakes that occurred, but in every process, there is a mistake,” Balok said at a funeral rite in Juba.

“Even in examination you do not score 100%, there are mistakes. I as the Minister of Defense, I apologize, but for our peace, that is why the disarmament was conducted.”

General Balok pointed out that a committee has been formed to look into the mistakes that arose in the disarmament exercise and a report will be submitted.

“So, if there are incidents that occurred even in Gondokoro when I was not there, if there were mistakes a committee was formed and it will submit a report, I say let our country be peaceful.”

The Join Security Force said it collected over 4,000 firearms, including an anti-aircraft machine gun, in the five-day disarmament exercise in Juba city last month.