Fifty community police volunteers completed a two-day training program in Yambio this week, part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security in Western Equatoria State.
The training, organized by the state government and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), began Wednesday and focused on improving crime detection, fostering peaceful coexistence, and enhancing cooperation between communities and security forces.
Yambio Town Mayor John Singira praised the initiative as timely. “Security begins with communication and trust between citizens and law enforcement,” he said.
Severino Morris, the state minister of local government and law enforcement, emphasized inclusivity in future efforts. “We plan to involve more women, youth leaders, and prison officers to ensure broader community engagement,” he said.
UNMISS representative Emmanuel Dukudani said the deployment of integrated forces, including the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), has already improved coordination and public confidence. “People now feel safer and can move more freely,” he said, while stressing the need for stronger early warning systems to address security threats.
Emmanuel Wanga, chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria, called the training a necessary response to long-standing security challenges. “Without community policing, security forces often lack timely and reliable grassroots information,” he said.
Wanga warned that rebuilding trust remains difficult, particularly when suspects are members of security forces. “The government must urgently address this issue,” he said.
Police officer Gabriel Nathaniel, one of the trainees, said the program would improve cooperation with community leaders in tracking criminals.
Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa commended the training’s inclusivity, which included youth, women, traditional leaders, and representatives from the Azande Kingdom. “Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
The session ended with commitments from stakeholders to strengthen community-police relations and support lasting peace in the region.