The South Sudan National Police Services (SSNPS) and the United Nations Police (UNPOL) have partnered to bolster security and protection for the displaced community in the Jonglei State capital, Bor.
In 2013, when the civil war broke out in the country, thousands of people fled their homes for safety and sought protection at UN-protected camps, known as “protection of civilians sites” (POCs). But last year, the UN, citing improved security in parts of the country, handed over the security of the former POCs to the government, a move that ignited protests among the displaced across the country.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Thursday, Major-General Joseph Mayen Akoon, the state police commissioner, said they will better provide safety to the displaced community following Tuesday’s launch of a joint coordination center in Bor’s Pakuau area.
“This partnership is between the UN and SSNPS. We will now work and carry out our activities together. SSNPS and the UN police will hold joint meetings at the center, exchange visits, and carry out joint patrols in the displaced camp,” he said.
The senior police officer pointed out that the partnership will help build trust among the displaced community.
Dhieu Biliu Majok, an internally displaced person in Bor, welcomed the initiative, saying it will help build trust.
“There are people within the camp and outside the camp who are against peace. So, since the UN and government will work together there will be no room for opportunists. They will be able to address all the issues raised in the camp and surrounding areas like Pakuau and Anyidi,” Biliu said.
For his part, Mykola Liashenko, the UN police field office deputy coordinator, said the UN Police-SSNPS partnership will help in the efficient and effective provision of safety to the displaced community and locals in Bor.