By Deng Ghai Deng
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has successfully conducted a three-day training program for police officers and community members in Upper Nile State, focusing on community policing.
The initiative aims to establish three additional Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC) to enhance security and foster collaboration between the police and residents.
Mercyline Sikasa, the Security Sector and Law Enforcement Officer with UNDP in Upper Nile State stressed the importance of the training.
“Our goal is to enhance the security of the communities by fostering collaboration between the police and the residents. This initiative will particularly focus on returnees, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), alongside the host communities, to promote peaceful co-existence,” Sikasa stated.
Yaya Mathiang Kiir, the Paramount Chief of Malakal Town, commended the UNDP for the training, noting its potential to improve local security efforts.
“I am happy for the training we have received together with the police. We will work together with the Mayor and the police to keep law and order in Malakal. I am happy and thankful to the UNDP,” Kiir said.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Mayen Akoon, the Upper Nile State Police Commissioner, expressed his gratitude for the program, emphasizing its role in improving security and building trust.
“There has been a lot of crime in Malakal town. Now that we have received the training, I believe the police will be able to adhere to truth. Knowledge is like a seed and can be grown, so we appreciate the training and we shall keep on learning,” he remarked.
Mayor of Malakal Municipal Council, Chuol Lualweng, also praised the workshop, stating that it has refreshed the police force and will aid in combating crime in the town.
“I appreciate the initiative by UNDP and partners. We have been having a lot of challenges in Malakal town in combating crimes,” Lualweng said.
The training equipped PCRC members with essential security kits, including raincoats, gumboots, torches for patrols, and megaphones for community outreach. This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader efforts to ensure safety and stability in Upper Nile State, with a special focus on vulnerable populations.
Funded by Japan, the initiative also included a recent training for Special Protection Unit officers to enhance their investigation skills, evidence gathering, and management, as well as the sensitization and prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)