Major General David Majok Dak, SSPDF Commander in Nasir County, welcoming Deputy Governor of Upper Nile State Deng Joh Angok during his visit to the SSPDF Military Base in Wechyar-Adiw, Nasir town, on December 27, 2024. - Credit: Nasir Commissioner's Office

The commander of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, has called for comprehensive disarmament of armed civilians to prevent conflicts between the civilian population and the army in the area.

Major General David Majok Dak made remarks during the visit of Upper Nile State Deputy Governor Deng Joh Angok to the SSPDF Military Base in Wechyar-Adiw, Nasir.

General Dak stated that it is the army’s responsibility to protect citizens and secure the national borders, and called for a comprehensive disarmament process in the area.

He warned that the presence of arms among civilians, police, and soldiers poses significant risks, including the potential for lawlessness and escalated violence.

Dak pointed out that this practice undermines government authority and contributes to instability, urging the need for awareness campaigns to prevent the recurrence of past incidents.

“We, as the forces, are here to protect the citizens and the country’s borders as part of our duty,” Maj. Gen. Dak said.

“I hope that past differences will be reconciled, the forces will be organized, and awareness will be raised to prevent the recurrence of previous incidents,” he stated.

“We urge the military leadership in the country to disarm the region, as it is unacceptable for the army, police, and citizens to all carry weapons. This leads to individuals taking the law into their own hands, undermining the authority of the government,” he concluded.

In October 2024, about 17 people were killed during heavy fighting between armed civilians and the SSSPDF in Nasir town.

The incident, which resulted in casualties on both the civilian and militant sides, erupted around 3 p.m. and lasted for four hours.

Since the formation of the unity government following the 2018 peace agreement, Nasir County has faced ongoing clashes between the White Army and the SSPDF stationed in Nasir town, resulting in the deaths of both soldiers and civilians.