Thousands of police officers parade at their graduation ceremony following a four-month refresher training in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State – Credit: [Voice of Hope Radio] December 20, 2024

The Police Authority in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has successfully graduated 2,060 police officers, including 265 women, after a four-month refresher training program aimed at enhancing their skills and readiness.

The graduation which was in collaboration with The Ministry of Interior marks the second batch of officers to complete training aimed at strengthening law enforcement capabilities in the state.

The comprehensive training covered topics such as law and legislation, communication skills, conflict resolution, and human rights, reflecting the police service’s commitment to professional development and adherence to regional and international standards.

Lt Gen Jackson Elia, Assistant Inspector General for Human Resource Development, emphasized the importance of graduation in enhancing state security and stability.

“The police leadership in the country has adopted a reform approach as a strategic goal to qualify human capabilities so that they can perform their duties under regional and international standards with respect for the rule of law and human rights,” Lt. Gen. Elia stated.

State Police Commissioner Major General Abendego Akol Ayuong urged the graduates to demonstrate integrity and dedication in their duties, stating: “We all need you to understand to work hard and demonstrate great integrity in the action of your duties, your state, and our people deserve, the graduating class consists of 1,805 male and 265 female officers, reinforcing the Ministry’s ongoing reforms to align policing with the rule of law and human rights.”

The year 2024 has witnessed a series of intensive police refresher training programs across South Sudan, reflecting the Ministry of Interior’s focus on strengthening law enforcement capabilities.

The former inspector General of Police Atem Marol Biar mandated a series of refresher training programs for police personnel nationwide.

February 13, 2024, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State initiated a 45-day refresher training for 1,000 police personnel, aimed at enhancing their operational efficiency.

On June 9, 202, the Ministry of Interior graduated 1,400 police officers in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, after completing a structured refresher training program.

However, in August 2024 about 170 immigration officers deployed at Juba International Airport underwent refresher training as ordered by the then Inspector General of Police, General Atem Marol Biar.

800 police officers completed their training in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, further strengthening law enforcement in the region on September 20, 2024

These initiatives underline the government’s commitment to aligning police operations with regional and international standards, fostering professionalism, and promoting the rule of law.