The leader of the rebel outfit South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM), Gen. Stephen Buay Rolnyang, has said President Salva Kiir’s declaration of a state of emergency in Warrap State and the neighbouring Mayom County in Unity State to carry out forceful disarmament of civilians is not only reckless but ill-conceived.
A Friday morning press release signed by Gen. Buay, who also doubles as Chief of General Staff of the United People’s Alliance (UPA) United Forces, a grouping of rebel groups, said the flawed disarmament plan is indicative of Kiir’s disregard for the security of the people.
“The SSPM/A expresses grave concern over the reckless and ill-conceived emergency declaration decreed by President Salva Kiir to impose forceful disarmament in Warrap State and specifically targeting the Bul Nuer community in Mayom County, Unity State,” the statement reads in part. “This brazen move, undertaken without comprehensive planning or regard for the fragile peace process, exposes the regime’s blatant disregard for the stability and security of our people.”
Gen. Buay stated that revered traditional and spiritual leaders unequivocally rejected the partial and biased disarmament exercise during a recent consultative meeting held in Mankien Payam, Mayom County, Unity State, on July 19, 2025.
“Why target only some communities while neighbouring areas remain heavily armed? Such selective disarmament is a recipe for chaos, tension, and renewed conflict in those areas,” Gen. Buay stated. “It exposes the regime’s failure to see the bigger picture. Disarmament cannot be achieved through coercion and brute force, especially in a nation like South Sudan, still yearning for genuine peace.”
He contends that the traditional and spiritual leaders rightly pointed out that actual disarmament must be the culmination of a peaceful, stable environment.
“Forcing guns out of civilians’ hands amidst ongoing insecurity is not only reckless but also a direct threat to national unity,” the rebel leader argued. “It is a dangerous illusion to believe that armed communities will surrender their weapons voluntarily under threat of violence.”
According to Gen. Buay, the regime’s approach is deeply flawed because disarmament requires meticulous planning, disciplined security forces, and the support of international partners, none of which have been adequately mobilised.
“Similar past attempts, such as in Pibor Administrative Area, when the regime singly targeted and tried to disarm the Murle community, tragically ended in bloodshed, loss of life, and the failure of the state’s authority,” he wrote. “Such failures serve as stark warnings. Reckless disarmament will only deepen divisions, empower militias with more access to firearms, and plunge South Sudan into even more chaos.”
Gen. Buay postulated that to disarm Mayom alone, an entire, well-trained, and equipped infantry division with sufficient resources would be needed.
“Where will the regime find such forces and resources in this chaotic situation? The reality is apparent, forcing disarmament through brute force at this juncture is a dangerous gamble that could cost the regime dearly, both in lives and in the future stability of our beloved nation,” the statement said. “The SSPM/A condemns in the strongest terms the declaration of an emergency in Warrap and part of Unity State (Mayom County). We stand unwaveringly with the resilient people of Warrap and Bul Nuer. Any attempt to disarm them forcibly is a blatant violation of their rights.”
“South Sudan’s salvation lies not in coercion and violence, but in unity, reconciliation, and actual disarmament achieved through peace,” it added.
Gen. Buay urged the regime to abandon its reckless plans and prioritise the well-being of our people, because “only peace can disarm our hearts and our land.”