By Gladys Fred Kole
Residents of Ifwanyak in Torit welcome new police post constructed and gifted to the area by United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to help deal with criminal activities in the region.
The project was funded to enhance security and strengthen the rule of law in Ifwanyak residential area of Torit town, Eastern Equatoria state.
Christ Early Development Agency Group (CECDAG) constructed that facility that consists of nine rooms – offices, four separate detention cells for female, male and juvenile offenders, a washroom and two toilets.
Torit town Mayor, Mustapha Albino Zachariah termed the police post as a steppingstone to improving security and strengthening rule of law.
“It covers the northern part of the municipality area where we were witnessing a high level of violations,” explained, Mayor, Torit Municipal Council.
The presence of law enforcement personnel is a welcome step, as the communities in Ifwanyak have suffered from criminality.
“Women and young girls, especially, have had to contend with sexual violence and in the past, perpetrators have gone free” he said.
However, Grace Achan Athanasius, a resident of Ifwanyak expressed her gratitude for this latest development.
“We are excited to know that we and our families can now enjoy better protection. Having the police stationed here makes us feel safer,” Grace said.
The hope and optimism generated by this project was profound, given the boost it provides to the protection of civilians and building capacities among local law enforcement personnel, two key goals for UNMISS.
Anthony Nwapa, Acting Head of the UN mission’s Field Office in Torit reiterated that incapacitating the police shields people’s rights and the laws of the land are respected by all.
“These small steps go a long way in building a peaceful South Sudan,” Anthony noted.
He said the interventions are part of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Quick Impact Projects, actioned in collaboration with local implementing partners.
“The aim is to address urgent community needs swiftly and effectively” the UNMISS officer said.
The handover is in line with the Eastern Equatoria state government’s ongoing push to decrease crime rates and uphold the human rights of all citizens, including those incarcerated for breaking the law.