A cattleman herds his animals | File photo

Authorities in Lakes state have banned civilians from carrying firearms in public places.

The state government says only government forces are allowed to move freely with arms because of the conflict in the country.

The state Minister of Information, Dut Makoi, said the state government has issued directives to make sure no civilians are allowed to carry arms in the state.

Mr. Dut told Eye Radio government forces could mistake civilians carrying arms for anti-government forces.

“There was an order which was read out on our state radio to all citizens who are carrying guns not to carry guns along the main roads because we had an incident where a very big force came from Central Equatoria heading to Bentiu – forces of Riek Machar,” explained Mr Dut.

“All civil populations are asked not to carry guns along the roads so that they are not mistaken for those rebels who are moving to Bentiu.”

Dut Makoi said the order is to allow the security personnel to bolster security measures in the state.