The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed the arrest of a National Security Service (NSS) officer accused of misconduct during a civilian disarmament operation in Bor Town, Jonglei State.
The officer, who allegedly attempted to kill an elderly woman, was reportedly apprehended and brought back to the scene of the incident on Wednesday.
According to the video shared on social media, the victim recounted her ordeal before senior NSS officers while the accused stood nearby with his hands bound.
The incident came to light after a viral video showed an armed, intoxicated soldier harassing and threatening an elderly woman during the disarmament exercise.
The footage sparked public outrage and widespread condemnation on social media.
The South Sudan National Security Service (NSS) later confirmed the arrest of the soldier involved.
CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, commended the swift action taken by the security forces, describing it as a positive step toward accountability.
“We appreciate the leadership of the forces deployed to Bor for acting quickly to discipline the soldier who harassed an elderly woman,” Yakani said. “This shows a sense of leadership and commitment to upholding human rights and accountability.”
Yakani urged the Chief of Defence Forces and the Director of National Security to ensure that all soldiers who engage in intimidation, looting, or harassment of civilians, both South Sudanese and foreign nationals—are held accountable.
“High discipline is required during civilian disarmament. Soldiers should not intimidate or loot from civilians,” he stressed.
The civil society leader also cautioned against politicizing the disarmament process, saying it should be carried out professionally and without targeting specific communities.
“Disarmament must be for peace, not politics. It should never be used to harm, harass, or label civilians as enemies of the state,” Yakani added.
Yakani reaffirmed CEPO’s commitment to monitoring the conduct of security operations and advocating for responsible, rights-respecting law enforcement practices across the country.
