Police officers who recently completed a three-month refresher training in Western Bahr El Ghazal State have been urged to boost the rule of law for stability in the state.
The call was made by Lt. Gen. Majak Arol Kachuol, the National Police Service’s Assistant Inspector General for Logistics and Procurement, on Friday during a passing out parade for 1,000 police officers in Wau. He stressed the importance of training to respond to the crimes and to provide security in the state.
“There are crimes like human trafficking, organized crime, and counterfeiting among others that were not in South Sudan and have started appearing at the national and regional levels and this has created a big challenge for us,” he said. “We should upgrade the police in South Sudan to deal with these crimes and that is why continuous training is important.”
Gen. Arol added: “As police, we are the servants of the citizens and we should respect the citizens and treat them well.”
On her part, Western Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Sarah Cleto Rial acknowledged the role of police in fostering peace and security and called on the national government to provide resources for the police to carry out their duties.
“The rule of law or work of law enforcement agencies has developed today compared to the last ten to fifteen years. Crimes have developed and people should have new ideas of how to fight and combat crime. I am sure you have acquired skills on how to deal with our citizens and to protect them and their properties.” She said. “General Kachual, we want you to convey our message to the highest authorities, the Ministry of Interior, and the Inspector General that we need support from the national government. If the police do not have vehicles, they will not move, and fuel and food should also be provided.”
“I urge that there should be timely payment of salaries,” Governor Cleto added.
The refresher course was part of measures revealed to improve the police service after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Atem Marol Biar tolled out in January following his visit to Bahr el Ghazal Region to assess the challenges faced by the institution.
The passing out parade was graced by Western Bahr el Ghazal State Deputy Governor Zackariah Joseph Garang, Lt. Gen. James Duop Gatluak, the Assistant IGP for Training, Maj. Gen. James Simon Yasi, the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Police Commissioner, and the SSPDF’s 5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Dau Aturjong among other dignitaries.