The Deputy Governor of Jonglei State, Atong Kuol Manyang, on Tuesday, presided over a one-day community security consultative workshop in Bor to address the escalating security challenges within the state capital and its environs.
The workshop, supported by the UNDP through the “Community Violence Reduction Project Phase II,” brought together key stakeholders including state security and justice representatives, block leaders, chiefs, and partners like UN agencies and civil society organizations.
“I would like us to find real solutions by putting our minds together to ensure the safety of our state and our main town, Bor, in particular,” Deputy Governor Atong said. “Our primary goal is to develop practical solutions to enhance security in Bor and the wider state so that Jonglei is safe again just as it was in the past.”
She stressed that the state’s security is currently jeopardized by the proliferation of small arms among unauthorized individuals which has led to a rise in the crime rate and localized violence.
“We need to devise resolutions that will safeguard our town, our children, and the foreign nationals living among us,” Atong added.
For her part, Peruth Karungi, a Security Specialist for UNDP’s Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights Strengthening Programme in Jonglei State, highlighted plans to transition from reactive to proactive policing which includes improving police-community relations through the establishment of Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC) and supporting youth patrol teams.
“UNDP is committed to good governance, and community security is a crucial aspect of that,” she said. “By involving the state government in this consultative meeting, we aim to ensure that the voices of the community are heard and that recommendations for improving security are acted upon.”
Meanwhile, Jonglei State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. John Baak noted an increase in serious crimes such as gender-based violence, child abductions, and robberies. He said the situation has been exacerbated by severe flooding, an influx of youth gangs, and limited resources for the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS).
“Security is everyone’s responsibility and all stakeholders must contribute to combating these criminal activities,” he stated. “I appreciate the Jonglei state government and its partners for organizing this significant consultative meeting.”
The workshop emphasized the importance of establishing additional PCRCs in high-crime areas, supporting youth patrols, and conducting community dialogues and crime prevention outreach. Currently, 32 PCRCs are operational in the town and resolve disputes and crimes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and community engagement.