South Sudan beefs up security ahead end of holy month of Ramadan

July 5, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese government has given out an assurance that all security personnel will be on standby and alert to secure public places from any disturbances as South Sudanese Muslims will Wednesday join the rest of the world to celebrate the end of the holy of Ramadan.

Police spokesman Brigadier Daniel Justin Boula told reporters on Tuesday that the public and particularly members of the Muslim community in the country should not worry about the security for the day.

“There should be now worries for the day. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure maximum security during the day of celebration. Security agents have already secured places where celebrations will take place. He added that security officers will be deployed to major streets and residential areas to protect citizens from criminal elements.

It is unclear who the leaders will address the day to be graced by senior government officials, foreign dignitaries’ and ordinary citizens. The office of the president did not make a comment on whether President Salva Kiir will be in a position to grace the day or he delegate one of his two deputies.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Community in central Equatoria, Juma Tombe told reporters on Tuesday that they are expecting celebrations from all the states of the country and that all walks of life have been invited to the national event take placing in the national, capital, Juba.

Earlier police spokesman added that besides screening of invited guests, both regular and paramilitary officers will man strategic locations around places where celebrations will be observed.

“All persons and vehicles heading to places in Juba as part of celebration will undergo rigorous security checks. No effort will be spared to ensure the event runs smoothly,” said Brigadier Boula.

He urged the public to report suspicious characters to security agents during the day celebration. South Sudan security forces have maintained vigilance following recent developments in which senior members of armed opposition have killed by gunmen believed to either be members of security or military intelligence officers.

The incidents have raised tensions and uncertainty between two forces.

(ST)