Arop Jonchol
Report: Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) concluded a three-day training for the Community Police Committee, targeting 20 members in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The training involved community police members and government officials from Yei River, Otogo, Lasu, and Yei Town, covering the role of community policing, good governance, and the rule of law in the region.
In his speech, Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban, advised the community police committee members to adopt teamwork in handling minor community issues in their respective localities.
Christopher Taharir, the Press Secretary in the office of the Yei River County Commissioner, stated that Commissioner Taban urged the participants to report gender-based violence cases, especially rape, to the police department in a timely manner. “I want to encourage you to report to the authorities, particularly in communities where rape is considered a taboo.” Taban said.
Raymond Duduka, a member of the Community Relations Committee at the Lasu Police Post, who spoke on behalf of the participants, expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the training in Yei River County and said that the activities of the PCRC would contribute to reducing drug abuse and crime in the areas.
James Wala, the Project Assistant for IOM, stated that the program is a joint initiative targeting communities to support social cohesion and promote stability between politically divided communities and between returnees and local communities.
He added that the project aims to create a safe and conducive environment for civilians by engaging armed actors and supporting community policing.
Sembu VT Kamara Joel, UNMISS PCRC Head Focal Person, advised the participants to apply what they learned during the training and keep it in mind, noting that they are complementing the efforts of the national police, not replacing them.
