Sudan’s Machar warns Nuer police officers against tribalism
By James Gatdet Dak
July 28, 2008 (JUBA) — The Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny warned the recently graduated police officers from the Nuer ethnic group against tribalism when executing their duties wherever they are deployed in Southern Sudan.
Machar as a member of the Nuer community was invited to give elderly advices to the officers as they await their deployments.
910 Nuer police officers with their ranks ranging from 2nd Lieutenant to Brigadier General were among more than 2000 recently graduated Southern Sudan police officers of the second batch in Juba this month after conducting six months training in policing.
Machar told the officers to keep the culture and spirit of equality and respect for human rights. “You should neither mistreat others nor allow others to be mistreated as you would not like yourselves to be mistreated,” he told them.
He pointed out that the police should play a greater role in maintaining security in Southern Sudan and added that their role would also be needed during the coming general elections next year.
Machar also warned the officers not to violate the freedom of the press and of expression as these are enshrined in the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan. “You may hear or read articles of writers criticizing the government or its leaders, but don’t act against them because they are exercising their constitutional rights,” he explained.
He said the police force is always expected to carry out its national duty and serve the people without any discrimination as law implementing agency.
He also warned them against bribery and alcoholism.
Machar advised any officers without formal education among them to at least learn in basic education wherever they are deployed in order to improve their performances.
Dr. Barnaba Marial, GoSS Minister for Regional Cooperation and member of the Nuer community reiterated the need for unity, saying “unity of the people of Southern Sudan is paramount.”
Judge Gatwech Lul, former Presiding Judge of Southern Sudan before the CPA and currently one of the nine Judges of the Supreme Court of the Sudan based in Khartoum advised the police officers to respect and implement the law accordingly.
Lt. Gen. Paulino Matip also advised the officers to promote the unity of the people of Southern Sudan and work hand-in-hand with colleagues from other regions as one people serving one purpose. He said he organized the occasion so that such helpful advices could be given to the officers.
The SPLA Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and member of the Community, Major General James Hoth Mai echoed the warning against alcoholism among the police officers.
Member of Parliament, Hon. Sophia Pal Gai congratulated the women among the police officers and urged them to perform well as women continue to claim their full 25% in the police force.
(ST)