By James Innocent
Over 100 SSPDF Unified Forces who completed a six-month military police training program have graduated in Yei.
Yei River County Commissioner, Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, presided over the event.
He congratulated the graduates on their patience and perseverance throughout the intensive training.
The commissioner emphasized importance of military police in maintaining discipline and enforce respect within the SSPDF.
He said the military police is also to protect civilians and their property with dignity and fairness.
“You are the hope,” Commissioner Kanyikwa urged the graduates.
“Build trust between the people and the SSPDF. Create a new environment of peace based on love, respect, and obedience to the rule of law,” he added.
He further challenged the new SSPDF Military Police to tackle internal issues such as eradicating indiscipline, crimes, hatred, drug abuse, and tribalism within the military without fear.
Kanyikwa acknowledged the challenging times, including the economic crisis, poverty, hunger, and inadequate social services.
He encouraged the graduates to set an example by engaging in agricultural and other economic activities.
“You graduate amidst the economic crisis, poverty, hunger, and inadequate social services. Set an example by engaging in agricultural and other economic activities to overcome these hardships” he advised the servicemen.
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Operations Area Commander in Yei, Brigadier General John Lual Tong, affirmed that the graduates are now equipped with the necessary skills to maintain discipline within the SSPDF forces.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including representatives from the Yei River County government, religious leaders, civil society organizations, chiefs, youth representatives, and media houses.
Yei River County Youth Chairman, Johnson Poru Hillary speaking at the occasion urged the government to ensure timely payment of soldier salaries to stay loyal to the rule of law.
“I’m honored to witness this graduation for the first time. I urge the graduates to uphold unity, dignity, and refrain from violence against civilians,” said Poru
The youth leader expressed his happiness about the graduation and encouraged the graduates to, Maintain unity and dignity, and avoid violence against civilians
“Soldiers shouldn’t perform their duties while facing hunger,” he said. “This can lead to civilian harassment.”
He also urged the government to pay salaries on time to ensure soldiers’ children can attend school, thereby preventing potential community problems.