South Sudan beefs up security ahead of Christmas
December 21, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan is beefing up security in its capital, major towns and other locations across the country as precautionary measures ahead of this week’s Christmas holidays.
A combined force of the police, wildlife, prison, fire brigade, army, military intelligence, members of the Criminal Investigation Department and national security service will undertake this operation.
“Christmas is coming and it is important it is celebrated with maximum security so that people do not have to fear. It has to be like December 15 which has passed peacefully. We also want the Christmas to come and go peaceful,” Andrew Kuol, the deputy inspector general of police, told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.
“We want them to provide adequate protection and secure not only the whole of Juba town, which is the national capital, but also major towns and locations across the country. People in the villages should celebrate Christmas in peace, in happiness. We want it to be a season of love and reconciliation,” he added.
Kuol said the joint security forces would also protect people’s properties during the festive season.
Major Gen. Marial Chanuong Yol, the commander of the presidential guards will reportedly chair the Juba security operation.
Last week, Yol briefed members of the security forces on roles they were expected to play during the operation to maintain security.
“I want to make people feel that they is security for them and by them and they don’t to hear any gun shots at night,” he said.
“Let all civilians celebrate their Christmas without fear,” added Yol.
Members of the security forces have also been warned of tough disciplinary measures should they go against the codes of conducts.
More than 8,000 armed officers will oversee the operation, officials say.
The security forces have been divided into four main sector commands particularly areas like New Site and Gudele residences.
Meanwhile, soldiers have been directed to prepare for house-to-house search for weapons. United Nations officials, constitutional post holders and foreign diplomats in the country will be exempted from this exercise.
(ST)