UNPOL and IDP security watch groups curb crime in Malakal

1 Sep 2015

UNPOL and IDP security watch groups curb crime in Malakal

1 September 2015 - Crime rates in the UNMISS protection site in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal had reduced as a result of joint efforts by UN Police (UNPOL) and internally displaced persons’ security watch groups, an UNPOL officer revealed today.

“Criminality has reduced drastically compared to the last few months,” said UNPOL Officer Dorje Abebe. “This is because we have been working in close coordination with security watch groups who have done a tremendous job to ensure calm returns in the protection-of-civilians (PoC) site.”

According to Mr. Abebe, the security watch groups conduct patrols in the protection site, apprehend those involved in criminal activities and hand over the suspects to the UN Police.

Kuak Thiang, chief coordinator for the security watch groups, said their main task is to promote peace among the communities in the protection site.

“Apart from patrolling and apprehending trouble makers, our main task is to promote peaceful coexistence among the IDPs,” said Mr. Thiang. “We come from different communities and coexisting is a challenge, especially with the ongoing crisis.”

Members of security watch groups are selected by the displaced communities after which UN Police provides basic training on community policing as well as jackets for their identification.

IDPs commended the vital role that security watch groups and the UN police are playing in minimizing potential security threats in the protection site

Speaking about recent skirmishes in the protection site, UNPOL PoC Acting Coordinator Bruce Everton said the fighting was caused by a misunderstanding between two IDPs and did not involve two tribes as reported.

“The recent fighting was between two individuals and not two communities, and we responded immediately by dispersing the individuals,” he explained. “You know in a setting like the PoC site, there will always be people who destabilize security.”