South Sudan’s Interior Minister, Aleu Ayieny Aleu, says firearms are more accessible to residents in Warrap State than basic public services.

Minister Aleu made the remarks before the National Parliament during a sitting on escalating insecurity and communal violence in the Greater Tonj counties of Warrap State.

He appeared before lawmakers alongside the Governor of Warrap State and the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

Aleu, who served as Governor of Warrap State for two years, said the absence of police and other law enforcement agencies at the local level is contributing to insecurity.

He also blamed delays in soldiers’ salaries for the proliferation and misuse of firearms, saying some soldiers may sell weapons and ammunition to survive.

The Minister further alleged that some powerful individuals in Juba provide weapons to young people to protect cattle, contributing to insecurity in the state.

“My two years’ experience in Warrap State as a Governor taught me many lessons. Finding an AK-47 in Warrap is easier than finding a doctor or a teacher or a government official. You don’t get them.”

He said the lack of law enforcement at the local level and delayed salaries for soldiers are creating conditions that allow firearms to circulate.

“Even law enforcement agencies like the police don’t exist at the local level. The gun arrives on time because we are all aware that our soldiers go for months without salaries.”

The Minister also alleged that some powerful generals provide weapons to their relatives among the youth to protect cattle.

He said cattle ownership among some senior officials from Tonj has also contributed to the demand for firearms.

If some of the powerful generals in Juba distribute weapons to youth relatives to protect their cows in their areas, majority of generals from Tonj, who have cattle including me, have weapons protecting their cows.”