Miners dig deep into the ground in search for mineral for mineral|Courtesy

Western Bahr el Ghazal State has proposed establishing a specialized police unit to secure mining areas in Raja County, amid growing concerns over insecurity, illegal mining and the protection of the state’s mineral resources.

Governor Maj. Gen. Sharif Daniel Sharif made the proposal on Thursday in Juba during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Sayeed Shauol.

Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin said insecurity at mining sites in Raja was among the concerns discussed during the meeting.

The proposal comes against a backdrop of longstanding concerns over mining activities in the county. In January 2023, the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Assembly summoned senior officials over allegations of illegal gold mining in Boro-Madina, Raja County.

Local lawmakers and residents alleged that foreign miners from Sudan were operating in the area and raising security concerns. At the time, the Raja County commissioner acknowledged the presence of Sudanese miners but disputed reports about their numbers.

Eye Radio has also reported serious workplace safety incidents at mining sites. In March 2025, five people, including two National Security Service personnel, died inside a flooded mining pit in the Dulu area of Raja County.

The county commissioner said the victims were involved in assessing a mining site when water entered the pit and the operation’s pumping equipment failed.

In October 2025, the Ministry of Mining suspended mining and exploration licences for small-scale companies in Western Bahr el Ghazal, citing the need for a nationwide geological survey. Eye Radio reported that most of the state’s known gold-mining activities were concentrated in Raja County, although there were no official figures on the quantity of gold deposits.

The state government is now seeking a dedicated police presence at mining sites, potentially providing greater security for mining operations while also helping protect natural resources and address insecurity in the area.

Meanwhile, Governor Sharif said more than 1,000 newly recruited police officers are undergoing training ahead of the upcoming general elections.

He said he assured the Inspector General of Police that the state was ready for the elections and emphasized the need for police to be prepared to protect the electoral process.

Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin commended the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Government for what he described as progress in preparations for election security.