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NYALA, Sudan, Sept. 23-- Sudanese government's plant to collect arms from local residents and armed groups in Darfur has gained initial results, officials have said. The plan, launched in August, is designed to eliminate one of the main causes of instability in the war-torn region. The government plan includes two phases: the first is providing financial compensation for each piece surrendered voluntarily by the citizens, armed groups and irregular military groups; the second is implementing a compulsory law that includes punishment to the violators. No doubt, many obstacles still exist to the implementation of the plan. Owning weapons is part of the culture and tradition for Darfur residents, and the armed groups and irregular military forces are unwilling to surrender their weapons. There is fear that the plan could lead to violent clashes between the armed groups and the government forces, once the phase of forcible collection begins. Nevertheless, local officials in Darfur region said that initial indications showed positive response by local resident to the arms collection plan. "Though we are in the first phase of arms collection, yet there is a great response from the citizens. So far, we have received more than 2,000 pieces of weapons," Adam al-Faki, South Darfur State's Governor, said at a press conference in the state's capital Nayala Saturday. "The weapons which we have received include heavy weapons such as Dushka (heavy machine gun), mortar and cannons, which were in the possession of the citizens, although they were supposed to be available only to regular forces," he noted. | 
