South Sudanese authorities have banned fireworks and celebratory gunfire and stepped up police patrols across the capital, Juba, ahead of celebrations marking the 43rd anniversary of SPLA Day on May 16, police said on Friday.
The annual commemoration marks the May 16, 1983 mutiny in Bor that led to the formation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the start of the country’s liberation war. SPLA Day is a national public holiday.
Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin said officers had been deployed across residential neighbourhoods in Juba and would conduct night patrols throughout the celebrations.
“We are deploying across the town, especially residential areas,” Justin said. “We expect some criminal activity and need to be present so we can respond quickly.”
He said the measures were aimed at preventing crime and maintaining public order during commemorations expected to draw large crowds.
Justin warned that anyone violating the ban on fireworks or celebratory gunfire would face legal action.
“Anyone violating the order will face the law,” he said.
He added that similar security operations would be conducted in other states, where police commissioners had been instructed to implement contingency plans during the celebrations.
Justin did not provide details on the number of officers deployed, but said police had sufficient personnel to cover Juba and its expanding suburbs.
South Sudan has faced recurring insecurity despite a 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
Authorities continue to grapple with armed crime, communal violence and localised political tensions in parts of the country.
“We are out to serve the public,” Justin said. “We ask for cooperation from citizens during the celebrations.”
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