South Sudan developing national defence guidelines to promote investment

June 6, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan is currently developing comprehensive national defence guidelines in a bid to promote investment opportunities in the country, the head of the parliamentary public order and security committee said on Thursday.

Aleu Ayeny Aleu said the government was undertaking a review of current national defence programme guidelines, which it hopes to complete by the end of the year.

“The aim of the review is to maintain a defence posture that can firmly defend our territorial land, water and air space by improving the readiness of the Self Defence Forces to further strengthen our security strategy and to contribute more to the improvement of the international security environment”, Aleu told reporters on Thursday.

Aleu has backed a proposal for the establishment of a national security council, saying it would be better able to respond to “unforeseen emergencies”, as well as form long-term security and foreign policies.

A bill to establish the council must first go to the council of ministers before being brought to parliament for deliberation and approval under national law.

Aleu said a strong defence policy would help strengthen the economy and ensure the military played a responsible role in the area of regional security.

(ST)