South Sudanese minister of interior Michael Chiangjiek warned police personnel against discriminatory behaviour towards foreigners in the country.

Chiangjiek said this during a graduation ceremony of 1,336 police forces in the capital Juba on Saturday.

The minister urged the police not to discriminate against anyone, and they should prepare themselves to treat foreigners properly.

“There should be no discrimination. You are mandated to protect all South Sudanese everywhere in the country,” he said.

Chiangjiek also took the opportunity of urging the police to respect foreign nationals irrespective of their nationality and language.

“This is a government policy that should be respected. You need to respect yourself first and then respect all foreigners who are in our country here,” he said.

The top government official pointed to concerns over the years at the way some police officers treat foreign nationals.” There are criminals who go and rob foreigners. It is not good and it is a serious crime,” he stressed.

“All foreigners who are staying with us her deserve respect,” he said.