11 November 2013 - UN police advisors today launched a training course in traffic management for South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal state capital Aweil.

Some 20 police officers are attending the 24-day course, which is the first of its kind to be held in the state.

UNMISS State Police Advisor Taner Ciftis explained that it was part of the mission’s role to assist in transforming the SSNPS into a professional force.

“Your professionalism and competency is very important with regards to prevention of traffic accidents’ he said. ‘’Through this training you will be trained on how to approach drivers, interact with the people and police ethics.”

Chief Inspector and Director General for Administration of police in Aweil John Akot Maluth said he was happy the group had included female police officers.

“We have never had any training in traffic management, and I appreciate it,” said state Traffic Police Director Alex Henry Abayosa. “UNMISS police are here to assist us in capacity building and when they leave this country, they will have built a concrete foundation for SSNPS.”