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AFRICA
South Sudan's disarmament drive
Authorities seize civilians' weapons ahead of next year's referendum on independence.
Last Modified: 04 Feb 2010 14:49 GMT

South Sudan's authorities are confiscating all civilians' weapons - including rifles, machine guns, mortar launchers, and rocket propelled grenades - as part of a massive disarmament programme. 
 
The region is less than a year away from a referendum on independence - but violence and instability in the region are increasing. 

Last year more than 2,000 people were killed and around 350,000 displaced from their homes in tribal conflicts.

Al-Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid reports from Jonglei - a state flooded with weapons - on how the region's disarmament is crucial for future stability. 

Source:
Al Jazeera
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