By Yien Gattour Mead
The Unity State police authorities have requested at least 1,000 recruits from seven counties, including the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, to participate in a new recruitment drive that began on Friday, according to the new police commissioner.
Maj. Gen. Gatkuoth Duop, stated that there is a need for new police officers to help maintain security and protect the lives of civilians in the region.
During a visit to the Bentiu IDP camp, Duop explained that the recruitment will draw 100 youth from each of the seven counties – Panyjinjar, Guit, Rubkonta, Koch, Mayom, Leer, and Mayiendit.
The Bentiu IDP camp itself will contribute 200 recruits, while the state capital will provide another 100 participants.
“This comes after the country’s security forces experienced a shortage of personnel during the 11-year conflict, as many police officers abandoned their posts,” Duop said.
The training for the new recruits is scheduled to commence in the state capital within the next three weeks, the commissioner added.