South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday pledged to improve the conditions of the police for the effective execution of their roles in the anticipated government of national unity.
Parties to the September 2018 peace agreement are expected to form a unity government by November 12.
The South Sudan National Police Service has been facing various challenges including, lack of mobility, lack of training and lack of clarity in their roles.
“We will ensure that the police service is well equipped and given facilities needed for their work including the increase of salaries and allowances as part of the overall national endeavor to improve the livelihood of our people,” Kiir said while addressing a police conference in Juba on Wednesday.
“We will bring you vehicles to facilitate your mobility but on two conditions. Last time, in one week, they were all involved in accidents and others were sold in the markets while our soldiers and police walk on foot,” he added.
President Kiir further directed the police to take up their role as stipulated in the constitution, noting that since the onset of conflict in 2013, the national security service has taken up the role of the police.
“The return of peace through the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and the formation of the revitalized transitional government of national unity restores your responsibility as police to protect our people and their properties,” Kiir said.
He further appealed to the police to welcome opposition forces and work together in implementing the peace agreement.
“I want you to welcome your brothers and sisters that are coming to join you from the opposition group and forget all the bitterness which was fuelled by politicians in 2013 and 2016. The integration of opposition forces shows that the agreement is going well,” he urged.
The 3-days leadership roundtable conference brought together police commissioners from the country’s 32 states and the Abyei Administrative Area.
The transitional constitution of South Sudan mandates the police to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain law and public order, protect people and their properties.