The Caretaker Governor of Western Equatoria has directed all the organized forces in the state not to move with guns in the residential areas.

Patrick Zamoi says a joint force has been formed to patrol the state capital, Yambio, while other towns will be patrolled by the SPLA.

The order follows reports of a poor relationship between the civilians and the army in the state.

Last week, women petitioned the state parliament in Yambio over alleged intimidation by SPLA soldiers and called for relocation of the barracks.

However, the SPLA says it has been responding to what it calls a rebellion in the state.

Mr. Zamoi told Eye Radio that all the organized forces must implement the order to restore peace and stop looting of civilian property.

“The importance of guns is to work with it in the army headquarters and when you are done with it, you put your gun inside the store and then go back to your house,” he stated.

The violence which erupted in Mundri area around May this year has cost several lives.

Last week, a gunship attack in the area left about 50 people dead, according to state officials.