UN police officers plan joint patrols in Malakal
Plans for joint police patrols in Malakal, involving UN and South Sudanese officers, are welcomed by people staying both in town and in the peacekeeping mission’s protection site. Capacity building of South Sudanese police officers is also on the cards.
“I have heard that they are patrolling but I have not seen them yet. I have heard that after curfew at night, police officers patrol in Malakal town to maintain peace and order. If UNMISS joins these patrols I believe even more people will feel safe to go out into town,” says Chuol Kun Rai, adding:
“The police are in town now, although they are very few. I see people go into the police station from time to time - it is not so busy, but there are police there. They have also removed the military checkpoints that used to be on the road to town so it’s better for us.”
Chuol Kun Ruai stays at the UN mission’s protection site in Malakal, Upper Nile. Chuol makes regular visits to Malakal town to conduct activities related to his work in the field of data collection. He is happy with plans by the UN mission’s field office to begin nimble and robust joint patrols involving the UN police (UNPOL), the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) and officers from the Rwandese Formed Police Unit.
UNPOL officers based in Malakal have begun their engagement with their South Sudanese counterparts as part of the mission’s operational efforts to protect civilians and build durable peace.
The officers, led by acting Protection of Civilians coordinator Ikenna Ozor, have called on the Police Commissioner Major General Duop Kuich to chart a way forward for the collaboration between the two parties. The Commissioner welcomes the cooperation with UN police officers and plans to begin patrolling jointly are underway. In addition, UNPOL officers will provide training for South Sudanese police officers to improve their skills and capacity.
“Malakal town has remained relatively peaceful in recent times, and many displaced persons move back and forth from the protection site undeterred. It is our hope that an increased and strengthened police presence will provide the much-needed confidence that can lead to their eventual return and reintegration,” says Hazel Dewet, Head of the UN mission’s Field Office in the area.
In July 2017, the peacekeeping mission handed over a police station and a police conference hall to the county, projects developed specifically to bolster the law-keeping arms of the government in Upper Nile. In addition, a court house from which a judge is currently discharging his duties was built to support the judiciary branch of the local authorities.