By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, has ordered the deployment of security forces to Warrap State to investigate the causes of recent communal violence in Greater Tonj.
The deployment follows growing concerns over insecurity in the area, where communal fighting has affected peace and stability among local communities.
Speaking about the security situation, General Santino said the government has security institutions with the responsibility and capacity to maintain law and order across the country.
He said the continued occurrence of violence and lawlessness could not be allowed at a time when the country needs peace and stability.
“In this country, there is a government. We have a ready army, the police as custodians of the law, and the National Security. We cannot allow lawlessness to continue,” he said.
General Santino said the security forces being sent to Warrap would first assess the situation on the ground and establish the factors contributing to the violence.
He particularly pointed to Greater Tonj as an area requiring immediate attention from the security authorities.
“This is why you are being dispatched from here to Warrap. We all need to go there and see what is really wrong in Warrap, especially Greater Tonj,” he said.
The army chief’s directive comes amid efforts by national and local authorities to contain communal violence and prevent further escalation of insecurity in the affected communities.
The security forces are expected to gather information about the situation, identify the causes of the conflict, and work with local authorities and communities to restore calm.
General Santino stressed that security institutions must take responsibility for protecting communities and enforcing the law.
He also made clear that the government would not tolerate lawlessness, particularly violence that threatens the lives and property of civilians.
The deployment is expected to provide authorities with a clearer understanding of the situation in Greater Tonj and help guide measures aimed at restoring peace.
Residents in affected areas are expected to cooperate with the security forces and local authorities as efforts continue to address the violence and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.