The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has inaugurated a new police training centre in the town of Bentiu, Unity State.
Effective police training is considered crucial in South Sudan, a country emerging from years of civil war where security forces have often been accused of human rights abuses.
The $50,000 building, funded by UNMISS and constructed by the NGO Action for Conflict Resolution, was formally handed over to local police leadership on Friday.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNMISS representative Denis Fuh Chenwi said the project was part of the mission’s mandate to promote justice and the rule of law. He said the office and training space would help build the capacity of the national police.
“This project will go a long way to assist in maintaining law and order, as well as aspects of human rights, gender, and the protection of civilians,” Mr Chenwi said.
“It will also contribute to ensuring greater law and order within Unity State in an effort to combat crimes as well as human rights violations,” he added.
The acting police commissioner for Unity State, Maj Gen Gordon Machar, thanked UNMISS for its support.
He said the facility would be used to train officers in investigative procedures and election management—a critical skill as the country prepares for its first post-independence elections.
“The support from UNMISS is helping us do our work effectively,” Gen Machar said.
He added that the hall would also be available for use by the wider Bentiu community.