South Sudan’s army chief has warned that an armed youth group in Jonglei State known as the “Red Belt” poses a major threat to national security, vowing to dismantle the group as joint security forces intensify operations to seize illegal weapons across the country.
Gen. Paul Nang Majok, Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), told reporters in Juba on Tuesday that the Red Belt is not a community organisation, as some have claimed, but “an armed group that must be dealt with decisively.”
“The Red Belt is a security danger in South Sudan and a threat to people’s livelihoods,” Majok said at the National Security Directorate for Operations. “Anyone found carrying weapons unlawfully will be arrested and disarmed.”
He said joint operations by the SSPDF, police, and National Security Service have curbed random shootings that previously caused widespread fear in several parts of the country. “Since the investigation began, those shootings have decreased and people feel more secure,” he added.
Majok said a committee would verify unit weapons and identify those linked to criminal activities or trafficking. He also urged better coordination with local authorities to trace the flow of illegal arms.
Lt. Gen. Kong Thou, SSPDF Commander for Operations, said that more than 230 guns and 64 pistols had been recovered in recent raids targeting criminal gangs and unauthorised armed personnel. The cache included weapons from the SSPDF, National Security Service, police, and unmarked units, as well as arms used by criminal groups known locally as “Niggers.”
Among the seized items were Red Belt uniforms, ranks, and charms believed by some to offer bullet protection. Traditional weapons — including machetes, bows, arrows and spears — were also confiscated.
Inspector General of Police Lt. Gen. Abraham Manyuat Peter said automatic weapons remain strictly for military use and warned civilians caught with them would face severe punishment. “It is not possible for you to use garbage and your own clothes and say you want to protect security,” he said, referring to Red Belt members’ improvised attire. “This means you have taken the responsibility of the government and the military.”
He praised the ongoing disarmament campaign and urged licensed gun owners to renew their permits.
Who are the Red Belt?
The Red Belt is an armed youth group that emerged in Bor County, Jonglei State, in recent months amid rising insecurity and frequent cattle raids.
The group describes itself as a self-defence force formed to protect villages and cattle camps, but authorities accuse it of evolving into an organised armed movement involved in robbery, extortion, and attacks on security forces.
Jonglei State officials have linked the group to a series of violent incidents in Bor, including ambushes and clashes with government personnel.
Amid mounting concern, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) recently offered Red Belt members a chance to integrate into the national army, urging them to surrender their weapons and join regular forces under formal command. The army said the move was meant to bring the group under state control and prevent further instability in the region.
However, local officials say the offer received a mixed response, with some members refusing to hand over their weapons, citing distrust of authorities and doubts about the government’s ability to protect communities in Bor County.