1st Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol, SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces - Credit: Eye Radio/Lou Nelson - Dec. 22, 2022

The Chief of Defense Forces has directed the joint security forces to protect civilians and their properties, and also arrest those who cause insecurity during the Christmas celebration.

1st Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol also reminded the SSPDF, police, and national security officers of their mandate in the country.

He said the civil population and foreign nationals should celebrate this festive season peacefully.

“We want each and every one of you, when you are given responsibility or when you are on duty you must perform professionally. This is the last day we are addressing you before your deployment for the Christmas celebration,” said Gen. Wol.

“Citizens should feel at home, they should feel free and safe during this celebration.  Also, foreigners, regardless of where they come from, he/she should feel safe in Juba and in South Sudan,

“We want a stable security situation in this country. We want people to move from 6 to 6 without any problem while celebrating Christmas,

“You should deal with criminals, those causing insecurity and disturbing the citizens, they should be arrested.”

More than 7,000 joint security forces will be deployed in Juba and its surroundings.

It comprises the SSPDF, police, and national security.

The joint force will be led by the police.