A joint security force has been deployed in several parts of Unity State to preserve peace during Christmas celebrations.
“Our mandate is to protect the civilians and the country. As I am talking now, I have instructed my military officers to protect the civilians because there are some people with the intention to rob civilians on the roads while celebrating Christmas,” Lt. Col. David Matut, deputy commander of the joint forces, told Radio Tamazuj.
He warned that the army will not hesitate to deal with robbers and those seeking to disturb the peace. “We have no compromise with revenge attackers and robbers. Let the citizens of Unity state celebrate their Christmas in peace and unity,” he added.
Matut revealed that soldiers have already taken positions along the main roads in Bentiu town.
“We are in coordination with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and we have agreed to deal with criminals who want to interrupt the Christmas celebration,” Matut said.
Community leaders in both Bentiu IDPs camp and Rubkona town recently held discussions with police force commanders to devise ways of beefing up security during the Christmas celebration.
The Christian community is celebrating their biggest festival of Christmas today (Sunday) with religious zeal and fervour.
Christmas festivities started in the morning with masses at churches and special prayers in honour of Jesus Christ.