13 August 2014 - It was vital for the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) leadership to put in place a strong accountability mechanism to address past and future complaints, UN Police (UNPOL) Commissioner Fred Yiga said in Juba today.

“It will demonstrate your commitment and willingness, as the chief law enforcement agent, to establish the peace, coordination and understanding which this country badly requires,” he said.

Mr. Yiga was speaking at a Police Development Committee meeting intended to garner support for SSNPS in efforts to enhance its capacity to protect civilians in South Sudan.

The Police Development Committee comprises organizations like UNMISS, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UK Agency for International Development (UKaid).

Noting that accountability was a pre-requisite for such support, the UNPOL chief said UNMISS would assist the national police force in various ways, including relocation to Juba of police officers from other states that were not directly affected by the conflict in South Sudan.

“UNMISS will help in the recruitment and screening process of these officers and will provide transport for them from the states,” he said. “We will also engage the UNMISS Human Rights Section to support training for those selected.”

The mission would also support SSNPS in an aggressive information campaign, providing audio and visual packages to ensure the public became aware of efforts of the force in carrying out their duties effectively.

Other committee members pledged to help SSNPS in areas like issuing identity cards to police officers dealing with internally displaced people and other confidence-building programmes.

Inspector General of Police Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol said the support offered would help SSNPS to be successful in its protection of civilians as well as confidence and trust-building endeavours.

“The promise of support from UNMISS, UNDP, UNESCO and the UK is encouraging,” said Gen. Kuol.

He noted that, although the police force was committed to successfully implementing its role, it still faced challenges and requested help in improving SSNPS capacity.

“We identified our problems,” said Gen. Kuol. “We do not deny it. The police needs help in order to build a professional (force).”