29 anti-cattle raiding officers graduate in Jonglei
April 28, 2013 (BOR) – A total of 29 South Sudan police officers, who underwent specialized training on the prevention of challenges posed by cattle-raiding, graduated from the Livestock Patrol Unit (LPU) training facility in Jonglei state Thursday.
The project seeks to prevent and combat cattle raiding in South Sudan’s largest state.
“We thought it would be a great idea to find a practical solution to an important problem, and we think this is the best model right now,” said Todd Robinson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement unit of the State Department.
“The LPU is a real resource that is already making life better for the people of Jonglei state and possibly beyond,” added Robinson.
The graduates, drawn from the state’s 11 counties, reportedly completed a rigorous two-month course which included physical training, English lessons, field craft, map reading, South Sudan law, memory training and observation and criminal interrogation techniques.
Maj. Gen. Moses Majok Adol, the Police Commissioner in Jonglei, praised the LPU initiative for helping to improve security in the area.
“This Livestock Patrol Unit has had great significance on the livelihood of our people, especially the protection of lives and property in areas where it has been deployed,” he said in a written statement.
“It has curbed cattle raiding and will continue to curb such practice,” he added.
Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Deputy Country Director (Programmes), said improving peace and security is a long-term process, and urged donors to align resources accordingly.
“[UNDP] is committed to supporting a professional police service that upholds the rule of law, improves community security, and ultimately helps people build secure and safe communities,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, 50 LPU recruits are set for the next round of training, scheduled for May.
(ST)