South Sudan vows to reform security forces
By Ngor Arol Garang
July 24, 2009 (ABYEI) — The newly appointed Southern Sudan minister of internal affairs has on Friday vowed to reform security forces in the semi- autonomous region destabilized by the widespread tribal conflicts.
“Our main priority is to gradually re-establish capable security forces that can provide service with respect and dignity,” he further told Sudn Tribune by telephone from Juba.
Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, and the failure of disarmament campaigns, tribal fighting over cattle and territory gradually intensified in the region.
The widespread fighting killed some 900 people. Observers have been shocked by the scale of the violence, much of it fuelled by weapons left over from two decades of civil war.
“Everybody understands that it’s the biggest challenge, and we are dealing with both humanitarian and security catastrophes,” he said, adding “It is not a one day business but a long term struggle.”
The minister continued to say that in a post war era, it is not possible to transform both army and police into a conventional force in a short period. “To become a security professional you need more than just a four year test.”
“It is a difficult work even for a functioning government to organize its forces very effectively. We are trying to reform the police and the military,’ he said it by telephone from Juba.
SPLA restructuring in armed forces and police is largely funded by the southern government’s share of oil revenue, also the US administration earmarked some US$41 million in 2008.
The government is also struggling to pay soldiers on time and to disarm militias that were absorbed in the regular forces.
“Honesty and professionalism in discharging and executing their duties in either army or police builds trust in them with citizens,” the minister underlined.
“Being security personnel either a police or military does not mean kill or be killed but to protect your people and country. Tribal conflicts in the region have killed more people and sent another more fleeing from their homes,” Gier said.
(ST)
Oduck Bol
South Sudan vows to reform security forces
To SPLM:
Vowing to reform the security is okay,but to let people know that you are really want to protect people of South from killing each other or land grabbing, Gier Chuang Aluong must start from Lack State,Warap State,Jungli State,Equatoria,and Uper Nile,but is not all Uper Nile state,some part in Uper Nile their disarmament were already taken by SPLM forces. Kiir with his mensters must start from their own homes instead of selfishness,you left your famlies who are violences people and go to the peacefull people who do not attack or looted any nation in South Sudan. Shame on you with your mensters. We are waiting for election. Iam not from Uper Nile,but I know who are peacefull people in south Sudan. Last time you went in the most peacefull nation in the South Sudan and took their protections. Then violence people came and attack them and killed some of them. Iam telling people to see Gier Chuang closely his first step.If they do not start from Kiir his home town than every body should not accept to hand his/her KA47mm.