South Sudan National Police Service Passes Out 870 Cadets
The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) today celebrated a significant milestone as they passed out 870 cadets in a ceremony held at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. The event was graced by the presence of President Salva Kiir, who commended the new graduates for their dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of South Sudan. In his address to the cadets, President Kiir emphasized the importance of upholding the law, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring the safety of all citizens. He urged the cadets to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty towards their country.
“There must be a strong and positive relationship between the police and the civil population; the police must provide security for the civilians and protect their property.”
The passing out ceremony marked a new chapter for these 870 cadets as they officially joined the ranks of the SSNPS, ready to embark on their careers in law enforcement. The event highlighted the commitment of the South Sudanese government to strengthen the country’s security forces and enhance public safety. As the cadets embark on their journey as police officers, they carry with them the responsibility to serve their communities with honor and to uphold the values of justice and equality in their daily work.
In her address, Interior Minister Angelina Teny emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring safety and security for all citizens, a fundamental principle enshrined in the country’s constitution. Minister Teny highlighted the critical role that the police force plays in upholding law and order, protecting the rights of individuals, and maintaining peace within the community. She underscored the need for the newly graduated cadets to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in carrying out their duties to serve and protect the people of South Sudan.
Minister Teny’s remarks served as a reminder of the significant responsibilities that come with being a member of the SSNPS and the essential role they play in safeguarding the well-being and rights of all citizens. By emphasizing the constitutional mandate to ensure safety and security, Minister Teny reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting a safe and secure environment for all individuals in South Sudan.
In his address to the newly graduated cadets, Inspector General of Police, Gen. Atem Marol Biar, delivered a powerful message to the newly minted officers. Gen. Biar emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the police force, urging the cadets to join forces with the leadership of the police service to drive positive change in the community. With a call to action to serve as agents of change, Gen. Biar highlighted the pivotal role that the cadets would play in upholding law and order, fostering security, and building trust with the public.
As the newest members of the police service, the cadets were encouraged to embody the values of integrity, professionalism, and dedication in their duties. Gen. Biar’s impassioned plea for unity and cooperation underscored the critical need for a cohesive and committed police force to address the challenges facing South Sudan. By fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration, the Inspector General of Police set a strong foundation for the cadets to make a meaningful impact in their roles as law enforcement officers and champions of community safety.
In recent years, South Sudan has been grappling with a critical shortage of police personnel, a challenge exacerbated by the aging workforce within the SSNPS. Many seasoned officers have either become old or left the force due to inadequate remuneration and the absence of official benefits, leading to a significant depletion in the ranks of law enforcement. This exodus of experienced individuals has left the police service struggling to maintain effective policing operations and ensure public safety across the country.
The shortage of police personnel in South Sudan has not only strained the existing workforce but has also hindered the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to emerging security threats and maintain law and order. As the demand for policing services continues to rise, the need to address the underlying issues driving officers away from the force has become increasingly urgent. Efforts to attract and retain qualified individuals in law enforcement roles, coupled with initiatives to improve working conditions and offer competitive compensation packages, are crucial steps towards bolstering the capabilities of the National Police Service and enhancing its ability to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding communities and upholding the rule of law.
