Governors from the greater Jonglei state have proposed new strategies aimed at curbing the rampant incidents of cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the region.
The greater Jonglei region in South Sudan currently comprises of Akobo, Bieh, Fangak, Boma and Jonglei states.
The governor of Jonglei state, Philip Aguer told Radio Tamazuj that the five governors of greater Jonglei state have proposed that the area be allowed to recruit a joint police force as a new measure to curb incidents of cattle raids, child abductions and other crimes.
The joint police force, Aguer said on Friday, will be trained in Gadiang, an area which is located in the centre of the region.
“The president [Salva Kiir] has already accepted the idea and directed the ministry of interior to establish the training centre in Gadiang,” he said.
According to Aguer, 2,500 new recruits to be drawn from the five states will be trained in the area as part of the new security measure.
“We are currently working on the recruitment process. The ministry of interior will appoint the head of the training centre and the logistical support will come from Juba,” said the governor.
Each state, Aguer added, will contribute one million South Sudanese Pounds to support the establishment of the training centre.
The communities of greater Jonglei state have for long been wrangling leading to cattle raids and child abductions.