EU allocates €12.5m to improve security at Juba airport

By Julius N. Uma

June 19, 2012 (JUBA) — The European Union Council has allocated €12.5m
to strengthen security in South Sudan’s aviation industry, especially
within Juba international airport.

As part of the process, up to 64 personnel will from September be
deployed in Juba, the South Sudan capital over a 19-month period under
the European Union Aviation Security (EUAVSEC), which falls within the
docket of EU’s Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP).

In particular, EUAVSEC South Sudan will reportedly train and mentor
security services, provide advice and assistance on aviation security,
as well as support the coordination of security activities, but
without any executive-related duty.

The EU council, Sudan Tribune has learned, has already directed the
CSDP mission to strengthen the aviation security at Juba airport
following a request reportedly made by South Sudan government.

The move to uplift South Sudan’s aviation sector, the EU said in a
statement, is part of the organization’s “comprehensive” approach and
strategy to assist the world’s newest nation become a viable, stable
and prosperous state.

“The EU is committed to supporting peace, security and development in
South Sudan. EUAVSEC South Sudan will work to raise the security at
Juba airport to internationally accepted standards. This is important
for the economic development of South Sudan and for the efforts to
prevent the airport from becoming a target for terrorism,” said
Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative.

According to the EU, improving airport security in landlocked South
Sudan will enable the increased flow of people and goods, as well as
boost trade.

The EU’s move, analysts say, is perhaps in response to recent
incidences in the aviation industry, widely attributed to security
lapse and negligence by concerned airport authorities manning the
sector.

Two weeks ago, a helicopter carrying Prof. George Saitoti, Kenyan
internal security minister and his deputy, Joshua Orwa Ojodeh crashed
on the outskirts of Nairobi, the country’s capital. Four others people
also died in the crash.

Also, early this month, the Indian-owned Dana crashed into commercial
and residential buildings in Lagos, Nigeria reportedly killing all the
153 people on board, and an unknown number on the ground.

(ST)