Maj. Gen Daniel Justine, Police Spokesperson - Moses Awan/Eye Radio - 3rd Jan. 2024

Government to investigate reports of alleged abuses during the ongoing disarmament programme in Juba County’s Gondokoro Payam, the police spokesperson has said.

On Tuesday, the Head Chief of Gondokoro Payam of Juba County said armed forces stormed the area and assaulted the villagers including the local chiefs on Sunday.

According to Ramadan Juma Wani, 19 people including four chiefs were detained during a disarmament exercise in the area.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Juba County condemned the acts and appealed to state and national governments to investigate the matter.

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Dawn Show on Wednesday, Major General Daniel Justine confirmed the police were part of the arms search.

According to him, there were reports of fighting between the joint operation force and the residents of Gondokoro Payam.

General Justine said the police have dispatched a team to the area and are investigating the incident to find out what happened.

“Yesterday [Tuesday] there was a report that there was fighting there between the organized forces and the citizens in the area, but this thing was reported and now it is being handled,” Gen Justine said.

“Generally, the situation is calm, and that is what I can say about that, it is already reported and the commissioner was concerned about both sides,” he said.

“We have people already investigating to know exactly what happened, it is part of leadership there is no problem.”

Hundreds of the civil population were reportedly displaced as a result.

Some of them testified they were beaten up, and their belongings were looted during the operation.

Others reported paying ransom for their release.