By Hou Akot Hou
The caretaker commissioner of Tonj East County in Warrap State has called for the disarmament of civilians across Greater Tonj following deadly retaliatory clashes that reportedly killed 26 people and wounded more than 30 others.
Machuei Bith Bol said the recent violence involving the Akook and Thiik sections had deepened insecurity and left communities in fear, urging the state and national governments to intensify efforts to restore peace.
The clashes, which occurred earlier this week, reportedly claimed the lives of civilians and members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), further aggravating tensions in the area.
Commissioner Bith argued that removing illegal firearms from civilian hands would help prevent further revenge attacks and create a safer environment for communities to coexist peacefully.
“These local people living in Greater Tonj are using weapons against themselves. For this reason, I am appealing to the government to remove guns from the hands of civilians,” he said.
He warned that continued possession of firearms by rival communities could expose residents to further violence, particularly if armed groups from neighbouring cattle-keeping communities launched attacks.
“Instead of being chaotic and becoming problematic to ourselves as people of Tonj, let us all be disarmed,” he appealed.
The commissioner said the widespread availability of weapons had made it difficult for local authorities to carry out their administrative responsibilities and reconcile communities involved in recurring conflicts.
He maintained that disarmament would provide an opportunity for government officials and community leaders to pursue peace initiatives without the constant threat of armed violence.
“I cannot manage to work with people who do not have methods of pacifying and making peace. I suggest that all the people in Greater Tonj be disarmed so that we can work with them administratively. Holding guns while trying to work with armed people is unbearable,” Bith said.
His appeal comes amid persistent intercommunal violence in parts of Warrap State, where retaliatory attacks have repeatedly resulted in deaths, injuries, and displacement.
The commissioner urged the authorities to take concrete action to address insecurity and protect civilians as South Sudan prepares for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
It remains unclear what specific measures the state and national governments will take in response to the call for mass disarmament.
However, the appeal highlights the urgent need for effective security measures, community reconciliation, and sustained government engagement to prevent further bloodshed in Greater Tonj.