By Alan Clement
Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has urged security forces in Central Equatoria State to uphold professionalism as intensified patrols roll out across Juba ahead of New Year celebrations.
In a statement from the governor’s office, with New Year festivities approaching, Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony convened an emergency security briefing on Wednesday with commanders of all security sectors in Central Equatoria State.
During the meeting, Governor emphasized that professional conduct by security forces is paramount to ensuring public trust and peaceful celebrations and unveiled a comprehensive security strategy designed to curb criminal activities during and after the celebrations.
“The people of Central Equatoria deserve security organs that act with discipline, integrity, and respect for the law,” Governor Emmanuel stated, calling on the public to cooperate with patrols and checkpoints.
The State Security Committee reiterated its readiness to guarantee safe and peaceful celebrations across the state.
The Governor’s call comes against a backdrop of documented concerns about unprofessional behaviour among South Sudan’s security forces. Reports by the United Nations Panel of Experts have repeatedly highlighted misconduct, including arbitrary arrests, harassment of civilians, and excessive use of force.
Similarly, the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report noted that South Sudan’s armed forces and police have been implicated in abuses ranging from unlawful detentions to the recruitment of child soldiers.
Local observers have also raised alarms about indiscipline, citing incidents where patrol officers extorted money from motorists or used intimidation against civilians. These findings have fuelled public skepticism about the ability of security organs to provide protection without infringing on citizens’ rights.
Governor Emmanuel’s insistence on professionalism is therefore both a response to public concern and a directive aimed at reforming entrenched practices.
In South Sudan, where governance structures remain fragile and trust between citizens and state institutions is thin, misconduct by security forces undermines both legitimacy and peacebuilding efforts.
Professional conduct ensures respect for human rights during patrols and arrests, accountability in the use of force and public resources, public cooperation essential for intelligence gathering and crime prevention, and confidence in governance that reinforces the credibility of state institutions.
Governor Adil’s directive aligns with broader calls from civil society and international partners for reforms that prioritize training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms within the security sector.
The newly unveiled security plan includes increased patrols across Juba city and surrounding areas, coordination among all security organs including police, military, and intelligence services, emergency response units to address incidents swiftly, and community engagement encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities.
Governor Adil also appealed to the public to cooperate with security forces, particularly at checkpoints and during patrols. He acknowledged that past misconduct has eroded trust but assured citizens that the government is committed to reform.
As Juba prepares for New Year celebrations, the spotlight is firmly on the security organs and Governor Adil’s directive sets a clear expectation: professionalism must guide every patrol, checkpoint, and operation.
Whether this call translates into tangible change will be closely watched by citizens, civil society, and international partners alike.
For many residents, the hope is simple: that the New Year will be marked not by fear or intimidation, but by peace and celebration under the watch of disciplined and professional security forces.