By Yiep Josph
First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has called for the integration of security studies into the curricula of national universities and higher institutions of learning.
Speaking at the conclusion of a security conference held in Juba over the weekend, Dr. Machar stated that providing security studies at the university would transform the country’s security sector.
“H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon has urged all national universities and higher institutions of learning in the country to consider availing security fields to the public for studies so as to equip the interested citizens with the required knowledge in the sector,” partly read a statement from his office.
Among public universities, only University of Juba provides security studies in its master’s program.
Dr Machar added that when provided, learners will be equipped with the necessary knowledge that can help the country and the security sector in particular.
He expressed that the security sector transformation is vital as part of the peace agreement, citing that the parties to the peace agreement are working hard to ensure that it is fully achieved.
On his part, Chol Thon Balok, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, urged the security officers to always perform their duties in line with the constitution.
He promised to work hand in hand with various institutions in order to improve the security sector in the country.
Interior Minister Angelina Teny, who is also the chairperson of the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board, appreciated the participants and called on them to put into practice what they have learned.
The security conference brought together policymakers and security mechanisms officials from the various security organs in the nation.
It also brought representatives from regional and international bodies such as UNMISS, IGAD, and AU, who also participated in the conference.
The three-day conference produced three new documents, such as the White Paper on Defence and Security, the Revised Defence Policy, and the Security Policy Framework.
In September this year, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, urged the government to speed up the graduation and unification of the remaining armed forces in the few months of the current transition period.
Yakani said in a statement that leaders must capitalize on this crucial timeframe to complete pending tasks before entering the recently extended transitional period.
“I would like to appeal to our leaders to engage with these low-hanging fruits, which are tasks that can be accomplished within the last six months of the current transitional period,” Yakani said.
He stressed that prioritizing these tasks is essential for the stability and progress of the country.