BENTIU – Despite the searing heat, rising floodwaters, and insecurity that plagues residents in Bentiu, United Nations Police Officer, Wafaa Assri Sameeh Al-Goussous, remains serene.
Whether on patrol, mentoring national police officers, or engaging with communities, her calm approach helps strengthen trust between law enforcement and civilians.
With 13 years of experience as a police officer in Jordan, Wafaa’s career has spanned a wide range of activities, including training, operations, corrections, detention management, and conducting audits.
Her deployment with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in Bentiu has provided an opportunity to share that experience in support of civilian protection and capacity-building.
“It allows me to serve communities directly while also strengthening the capacity of those responsible for protecting them,” she says.
Wafaa conducts both short- and long-duration patrols, while also supporting daily operational planning. Known to colleagues for her punctuality, attention to detail and discipline, she regularly serves as Duty Officer, coordinating tasks and ensuring continuity of operations.
She is also the focal point for the UN Police Child Protection Unit, where she ensures that the needs of children and women are considered during all activities.
“Child protection is central to effective policing. When children are protected and women are empowered, communities become stronger.”
She is also putting her experience as an instructor at Jordan’s Peacekeeping Operations Training Centre to good use, facilitating seminars, workshops and mentoring programmes for the South Sudan National Police Service, focused on community policing, child protection and gender-sensitive approaches.
“When officers understand why they do their work, not just how, it changes how they interact with the public.”
Wafaa also regularly participates in outreach activities with local leaders, faith-based figures, women and youth, helping to foster dialogue on peace and security.
During a patrol to Rotriak, Wafaa hosted a discussion with 250 community members on the causes and consequences of cattle raiding.
“When communities are given the opportunity to speak openly, they often identify their own solutions,” she says. “Our role is to support that process.”
She emphasizes the importance of Community Watch Groups and Police Community Relations Committees, which strengthen cooperation between police and civilians through the two-way flow of information.
“By equipping officers with knowledge and practical skills, we can build stronger institutions and public trust.”
For Wafaa, policing in Bentiu is not just about enforcing law and order. It is about building confidence and strengthening partnerships, because at the end of the day, sustainable peace begins with people.
By Robin Giri
