Security officials in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Western Bahr el Ghazal states have heightened security ahead of South Sudan’s 15th Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, 9 July, with police assuring residents that comprehensive measures are in place to guarantee peaceful festivities.
In Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, police said joint security forces comprising the various organized forces have been deployed across celebration venues, major roads, markets, public institutions, residential areas, and other strategic locations.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Western Bahr el Ghazal State’s Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Santino Oduol Mayen said mobile patrols and rapid response teams will remain on standby throughout the celebrations to respond to any security incidents.
“The state police services, working together with the South Sudan National Police Service, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the National Security Service (NSS), Traffic Police, and other organized forces, have finalized comprehensive security arrangements for all official Independence Day events and public gatherings throughout the state,” he said.
Lt. Col. Oduol urged residents to celebrate responsibly, cooperate with security personnel, obey traffic regulations, and refrain from the unauthorized use of firearms. He warned that violators would face legal action.
Meanwhile, authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal said security preparations began on 2 July and involve the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Traffic Police, and other organized forces to maintain law and order during the holiday.
“The Police have been preparing to secure the Independence anniversary celebrations, and we are waiting for the final directives from the state authorities,” said Lt. Col. Madut Ngong Aleu, the state’s police spokesperson. “Our role is to protect citizens and their properties.”
Residents welcomed the security arrangements and expressed hope that the anniversary would be celebrated peacefully.
“We are all ready to celebrate the Independence Day anniversary, and we expect the government to provide adequate security so that everyone can celebrate without instability or other problems,” said Malual Tong, a resident of Maper Akot in Aweil.
South Sudan will commemorate the 15th anniversary of its independence on Thursday, with security agencies across the country maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations.
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