By Yiep Joseph
High-ranking officials from the security sector have urged members of the National Security Service (NSS) to remain politically neutral and concentrate on their primary responsibilities.
The call came during the reception of Gen. Akec Tong Aleu, the Director General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service, an event graced by the Presidential Advisor on National Security.
During his address, Gen. Isaac Obuto Mamur, Minister of National Security, emphasized that NSS officers must distance themselves from political activities.
He reiterated that their primary duty is to serve and protect the nation, urging officers to dedicate their efforts to their mandated roles rather than engaging in political matters.
“Let us (NSS members) not be involved in politics because our mission as National Security is controlled by three circumstances; we must not look inwards, we must look outwards to see our map of South Sudan of 1947 and how we can bring it back to our land, which is number one strategy in all our strategic missions,” Gen. Mamur said.
“We (NSS members) must protect all South Sudanese regardless of so-called tribe, colour, or gender, and we must treat them equally because they are all South Sudanese,” he added.
The Minister added that the NSS has to be a non-political institution that protects the Constitution, urging members to stop politicking and work in harmony with the people.
“I want all of you in the National Security to work in harmony because we are the core behind this nation,” he said.
Gen. Mamur urged the security officers to shun division, which he said could weaken the institution.
In his address, Gen. Akec Tong Aleu, Director General of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service (NSS), reaffirmed keeping politics out of the security sector.
He condemned instances where politicians seek support from NSS members in pursuit of political positions, stating that such actions undermine the integrity and mandate of the security service.
“Lobbying for any political position by any individual through the power and any authority of the Director General of the National Security Bureau is strictly prohibited; all ISB officers and NCOs should strictly stick to their mandate,” Akec said.
Akec warned that anyone involved in politics or activism is not only against the institution but against the constitution of the country.
Gen. Santino Deng Wol, the Chief of Defense Forces (CEF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), called on the servicemen and women to be disciplined and professional in their jobs.
He urged the members to prioritize the country rather than individual interests, adding that the love for the country makes one fulfill his or her deputies in line with the law.
Deng ordered the security officers to distance themselves from politics or supporting unlawful individual interests of elites and politicians.