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Kayango, situated in Western Bahr El Ghazal’s Jur River county, has long been a focal point for seasonal cattle migration, with four corridors intersecting in this strategic locale. Despite efforts such as the 2016 Marial Bai Agreement to regulate disputes arising from annual cattle movements, clashes between nomadic herders from neighboring Warrap state and settled communities persist, accompanied by a surge in criminal activities.
In a bid to enhance security and uphold the rule of law along this vital corridor, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently inaugurated a newly constructed police post, a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to mitigate conflict and promote stability in the region.
The handover ceremony witnessed a palpable sense of relief and jubilation among community members, as key state officials, including Deputy Governor Zachariah Garang, received the structure. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Governor Garang emphasized the importance of peace and cooperation between cattle herders and farmers, expressing gratitude to UNMISS for the strategic placement of the police station.
Funded through UNMISS’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) program, the solar-powered police post boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including four detention cells, separate sections for women, men, and juvenile offenders, ablution facilities, and fully equipped offices, including one reserved for a prosecutor.
For the more than 16,000 residents of Kayango, the police station represents not only a symbol of security but also a beacon of justice within their community. The traditional chief, Pater Akuar, hailed the establishment of the station as a deterrent to crime, pledging collaboration between the traditional justice system and law enforcement authorities.
Major General James Simon, Deputy Police Commissioner for Western Bahr El Ghazal, underscored the importance of the police station in maintaining law and order, urging community members to report offenses and reminding officers to uphold the rule of law in their duties.
UNMISS, represented by Leopold Kuassi, Acting Head of the Field Office in Wau, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region. He assured state authorities of UNMISS’s continued assistance, including capacity-building for local police and regular patrols to foster confidence in the area.
The Kayango police station, one of three such facilities supported by UNMISS in Jur River county, stands as a testament to international collaboration in promoting security and justice in South Sudan’s vulnerable regions. |
