Aerial view of Bor town, Jonglei State. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Jonglei State’s Security Committee has imposed an immediate ban on the carrying of firearms by civilians within Bor Town, Nyok Agany, and Leudiet Ports.

The decision follows a meeting last Wednesday, chaired by the newly appointed Governor, Dr. Riek Gai Kok.

The committee noted growing concerns over the presence of armed youth in Bor Town, Marol Market, and the two river ports.

In addition to the firearms ban, the committee has also prohibited the use of metallic iron pipes as makeshift weapons by youth in these areas.

Under the new regulations, violators could face imprisonment or fines.

First-time offenders may be sentenced to up to six months in prison or a fine, while repeat offenders could face up to 12 months in prison or a higher fine.

The State Police, National Security, and State Military Police will oversee enforcement of these new measures, with support from local block leaders and chiefs to ensure compliance.

Bol Deng Bol, the Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, commended the ban, while urging its full implementation to ensure the safety of citizens and business people, who according to him, are closing shops early in fear of robberies and assault.

“These resolutions are very good and familiar as they are, and if implemented effectively, we will see a lot of changes in Jonglei State particularly in Bor,” Bol said.

“We will see a lot of changes in the sense that the citizens, business people and everyone will go about their businesses without worries about potential attack , robbery, assault, robberies and all of those, because these are actually happening as we speak.”

“Every evening people worry, people leave their businesses halfway so that they can pick up tomorrow. They go home at around 4:00pm. If these resolutions are implemented, you will see people going about their businesses without worry and they can even close at 8:00pm. This is important for a town that has a potential to grow.”