BOR - As the world’s newest nation prepares for its first post-independence elections, one of the most critical elements that must be in place to ensure the polls are conducted peacefully and credibly is security.
To help build capacity, United Nations police officers serving with the peacekeeping mission in Bor are providing intensive training for national counterparts.
Their task goes beyond safeguarding ballot box, it’s also about protecting the people who will vote, particularly during a time of political and security uncertainty.
The training for 40 South Sudan National Police Service officers gets underway at a new headquarters in Tibek, renovated by UNMISS through a Quick Impact Project.
“These coming elections will test your readiness,” explains Benjamin Ngwile, team leader of the UNPOL Capacity Building Division. “But they also give us an opportunity to show the people of Jonglei that the police can be guardians of peace and that violence is not inevitable. It happens when the security institutions fail. That is why we train to make sure that we do not fail.”
The participants discuss theory and legal frameworks and then break into small groups for practical sessions dedicated to real life scenarios, including safeguarding polling stations, responding to threats, escorting vulnerable civilians to safety, documenting violations in a way that upholds the integrity of elections and the rule of law.
“I used to think elections were just about counting votes. Now I see they are about protecting rights, the right to vote, the right to speak freely and the right to live without fear,” said participant, Second Lieutenant Anok Thiek Anok.
“If we do not create an environment that is free from violence, then elections will not be free and fair.”
The officers also engaged in simulations, including managing crowds, separating conflicting groups, identifying early warning signs of political intimidation, and providing physical protection to candidates and voters, particularly women.
At the close of the training, participant Colonel Chinyua Nyibong Kur, who is also the Director of Training at the police headquarters in Tibek, emphasized the importance of preventing gender-based violence, not only when voting begins, but long before election day.
“Women in our communities already face many challenges. During elections, they are afraid to go out, afraid to speak, afraid that the other group will target them, he explains. “This happens when traditional chiefs are being elected. Now we are talking about national elections. If we do not understand these fears, we cannot protect them.”
UNPOL Officer, Mwewa Mervyn Musonda, also stressed the importance of strengthening trust between the police and citizens.
“When people trust the police, they report violations. When they report violations, we can act, and when we act, the perpetrators know they cannot hide.”
Jonglei Deputy Police Commissioner, Major General Kongor Kuany Deng, shares similar sentiments with the participants.
“You are the first line of defense. When country goes to vote, it looks to you. If you show fear, people will lose confidence. If you show strength, people will feel safe. But most importantly if you show humanity, respect and discipline, people will trust the outcome of the elections.”
As the officers disperse, here is a recognition that the role of the police extends far beyond maintaining order. It extends into the heart of communities who simply want safety to exercise their right to vote.
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By Mach Samuel
