S. Sudan’s Kiir tells Police to join fight against corruption
June 20, 2012 (JUBA) — South Sudan President, Salva Kiir on Monday
appealed to the Police force to join government’s recent move to crack
down on corrupt officials, but tasked them to do it in an honest and
transparent manner that reflects their obligation to society.
over 120 customs officers at the Juba-based Buluk Police headquarters.
The ceremony also witnessed 13 officers, recently reinstated through a
presidential decree, take oath before the president.
“As members of the Police force, you have a major role to play in
maintaining law and order in the country. I urge you to not to abuse
your powers, but serve the nation in an honest manner that will
maintain your good image among the citizens of this country,” Kiir
told the cops.
The President, who was occasionally cheered during the event, also
reminded members of South Sudan Police Service (SSPS) about his recent
decision to make corrupt officials, alleged to have misappropriated
public funds, accountable for their actions.
Last month, President Kiir wrote to 75 current and former government
officials asking them to account for about $4bn, believed to have been
stolen from the country. The money, he said, should be deposited in a
Kenya-based bank and that those who comply will be granted amnesty.
At least eight different governments in Africa, Europe, Asia and the
Middle East, have also been contacted to assist South Sudan government
in recovering some of these funds, allegedly deposited in foreign bank
accounts.
Meanwhile, the South Sudan leader credited the country’s Internal
Affairs ministry, under whose docket the Police falls, for what he
described as a remarkable transformation of the force and pledged more
government support to the law enforcement institution.
The President, on the other hand, lauded the role being played by the
United Nations Police especially in training members of South Sudan
Police force, further assuring them of continued support and
cooperation from government.
Alison Manani Magaya, South Sudan’s interior minister said, despite
the numerous hiccups facing the institution, the ministry has embarked
on the process of transforming the force, in line with its
recently-initiated transformation plan.
The plan, according to the minister, encompasses high quality training
among the forces, focusing on discipline, professional ethics and
honest practices. Also in the making, he hinted, is a Police academy
and as well as a college soon to be put in place.
Tito Acuil, the country’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), on his
part, urged the Police fraternity to show respect for citizens, while
at the same time appealing to the latter to always report cases
involving Police infringement on their rights to relevant authorities.
(ST)