South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, declared the Red Belt Movement an armed rebel group on Tuesday.
Originating as a community vigilance group from Jonglei State, the Red Belt has recently attacked traders in Marol market, engaged in gunfire with personnel from the National Security Service, and instilled fear during community gatherings.
Dressed in military attire, including a green top, army trousers, and boots, this organized vigilance group is heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, PKM machine guns, and other weapons.
Speaking during a display of firearms collected in a search operation in Juba, Chief of Defence Gen. Majok asserted that the Red Belt should not be seen as a community vigilance group but rather as an armed criminal organisation due to its use of military weapons and involvement in special operations.
“As for the Red Belt, I would say that this is a rebellion, because you cannot use military forces and carry out special operations while claiming to protect security,” Gen. Majok stated.
He emphasised that it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety of its citizens and their property.
“There is a constitution that defines the responsibilities of the military forces in the state. Their roles include protecting borders, ensuring civilian safety, safeguarding public property, and upholding the system,” he explained.
“No one can assume the responsibility of protecting citizens or claiming to protect their family. This should be clear to all of us.”
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesman, reported that the Chief of Defence Forces has instructed Lt. Gen. Kong Thou Kong, assistant chief of defence forces for operations, to engage with the Red Belt as they would with any other armed rebel group opposing the government.
Gen. Lul noted that the Red Belt was classified as armed criminals following the seizure of a cache of heavy and small arms, uniforms, and charms from a white van during the recent disarmament exercise in Juba.
“The designation of the Red Belt Movement as a new rebel group arose because it has surpassed the traditional roles of a typical vigilance group in terms of organisation and structure,” Lul explained.
“This includes adopting a military ranking system, issuing uniforms, emblems or logos, coining slogans or mottos, expanding operational areas, and establishing cells in Juba and beyond.”
