Comprehensive security arrangements to ensure secure Christmas and New Year celebrations in South Sudan have been rolled out, the police said.
Police Spokesman Daniel Justin Boula told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that their security plan forms part of the efforts to combat crime during and after Christmas and the end-of-year celebrations across the country.
“Our security plan in Juba is in place and we have police forces to be deployed to the sectors in neighborhoods. Also, the states have a security plan for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.
The senior police officer said they would deploy police personnel to strategic locations to curb the activities of criminals. Justin assured the public of maximum security to enable them to celebrate the season in peace.
Places where the personnel would be deployed include neighborhoods, markets, roads and places of religious worship, according to Justin. He called upon citizens to cooperate with the deployed police personnel.
“We have a security plan for roads in the country, so whoever wants to travel can travel without any problem. The logistical support for this security plan has been provided by the leadership despite the economic crisis,” he said.
The police, he said, would provide patrols to deter criminals from engaging in criminal activities and also to arrest perpetrators of crime. He urged all citizens to feel free to reach out to the police for any form of assistance and also to provide information that would help prevent crime or lead to the arrest of criminals.
“I also call upon our citizens to report any complaints during this festive period because security is a collective responsibility,” he said.
Observers say there has been a significant improvement in the general security situation in South Sudan since the signing of the peace agreement in September. But despite positive developments in the peace process, clashes took place recently between government troops and NAS fighters in Lobonok and Yei.