Police on high alert in Jonglei as residents prepare to celebrate Christmas
December 23, 2014 (BOR) – Security has been tightened in and around to citizens to celebration without fear of any insecurity incidents during and after Christmas time in Jonglei.
“Let me assure the public that their security is now in the hands of police unity. We will protect you and your properties during the Christmas period and beyond,” Ayom said.
Ayom, who was speaking a day after he attended the graduation of nearly 400 police officers, said he had confidence in the new graduates’ ability to carry out their duties of civilian protection.
The new officers underwent months of training in the capital, Bor, in civilian protection strategies and maintaining law and order.
On Tuesday at evening, and the earlier after the sundown, Sudan Tribune witnessed the movement of
On Tuesday evening, police could be seen moving in large numbers around the markets, surrounding streets and major roads leading into Bor.
Residents across Jonglei are currently preparing to celebrate the festive season and have expressed hopes that lasting peace and stability can be restored as soon as possible.
According to Brigadier general John Majier in Bor, the South Sudanese army (SPLA) has also taken the bold move of securing remote villages and tribal borders.
“We are [more] prepared than what I can describe,” he said from Bor on Tuesday.
“Even a fly that would be seen disturbing, we will fire it with RPG rocket; that is the smaller weapon we can use for it,” he added.
Meanwhile, the minister of local government and law enforcement, Wall Athiu, told the press in Bor on Tuesday that the had strengthened security in six counties under government control, saying he expected celebrations to remain peaceful.
Police have also been deployed to various payams (districts) across the counties currently under government control in Jonglei state, including Bor, Twic East and Duk.
“People will be celebrating in peace. Our government has deployed security forces to payams. Commissioners have been told to assure the civilians the celebration will go [ahead] without any fear,” he said.
Athiu said displaced civilians currently sheltering at UN protection would also be free to joing in Christmas festivities in Bor, either inside the camp or outside with their friends and relatives.
Christians account for nearly 90 per cent of South Sudan’s population, with prayers and internments expected to continue throughout the night until early Christmas morning in churches across the country, including Bor.
Bor resident Aguin Deng said last year’s celebrations had been severely interrupted by the outbreak of violence across the country, adding that this year had doubled her preparation efforts ahead of planned festivities.
“We are now preparing for Christmas. Last year we didn’t celebrate because of the crisis. This time we are going to celebrate Christmas very well. We need peace to come,” she said.
Government offices and NGOs operating in Bor closed their offices on Tuesday and are expected to reopen again briefly on 29 December before New Year celebrations.
(ST)