Northern Bahr el Ghazal orders gun owners to register small arms within seven days

AWEIL – Law enforcement authorities in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have given residents a seven-day deadline to declare and register all small arms, particularly pistols, in a move aimed at curbing rising crimes and improving public safety across the state.

The directive was announced on Tuesday by police spokesperson Madut Ngong Aleu during an interview with Akol Yam FM. Aleu said the decision followed an extraordinary cabinet meeting chaired by State Governor Charles Madut Akol, where state leaders agreed that tighter control over privately held firearms was necessary to address insecurity.

Aleu said all individuals in possession of small arms are required to present themselves to the authorities within one week to register their weapons. Once verified, legal owners will be issued licenses.

“The Governor and the entire cabinet, together with enforcement agencies, have directed all small arms owners to turn up and register their weapons and subsequently be given licenses,” Aleu said. “This process will help us know who is legally holding firearms.”

He warned that anyone found with an unregistered weapon after the deadline would face legal consequences, including confiscation of the firearm and possible prosecution.

Police say the measure is intended to stem the misuse of guns, which has contributed to a spike in violent incidents. Aleu noted that some individuals have been using pistols irresponsibly, particularly in public places.

“Some people misuse such weapons after drinking and threaten to shoot others in bars and social gatherings. Others use guns to loot residents at night,” he said. “We want to prevent these behaviours before they escalate further.”

Beyond civilian gun control, the state government has also addressed discipline within the police service. Aleu revealed that officers have been instructed to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media, particularly regarding recent promotions within the force.

He said some officers had taken to online platforms to air grievances or circulate unverified claims about promotions, which he described as unprofessional and damaging to the institution’s image.

“Police officers must be self-disciplined and law-abiding. A trained officer follows the principles and rules that govern the service,” Aleu added.

The spokesperson acknowledged that delays in salaries and promotions have caused frustration among some officers but stressed that such concerns should be handled through official channels rather than public complaints.

Authorities say the new firearm registration campaign is part of broader efforts to restore order and strengthen security across the state, urging residents to cooperate fully within the given timeframe.