By Yiep Joseph
Preparations for South Sudan’s December 2026 general elections are gaining momentum in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, with the training of 1,585 police personnel progressing in Wau as authorities strengthen security arrangements ahead of the polls.
The training, which brings together male and female recruits from Wau, Raja, and Jur River counties, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the police to maintain public order, protect communities, and support a peaceful and secure electoral process.
Speaking during the training in Wau, Assistant Inspector General of Police Lt. Gen. Edward Dimitry Lukak said the police had a clear responsibility to safeguard peace and order throughout the electoral period.
“The police have a clear responsibility to maintain peace and order and to protect our communities throughout the electoral period. This training is strengthening the capacity of our officers to carry out their duties professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Lukak said the police were prepared to work with communities and other stakeholders to create a secure environment in which citizens could participate freely in the elections.
His remarks were echoed by Maj. Gen. Hussein Girish Yambio, Director of Traffic Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal, who welcomed the national government’s support for the training program.
“We appreciate the support of the national government in strengthening the capacity of our police personnel. Training is fundamental to building a disciplined and professional police service,” Maj. Gen. Yambio said.
He stressed that officers must understand that their primary responsibility is to serve and protect all citizens without discrimination, particularly as the country approaches the elections.
“As we prepare for the elections, our officers must understand that their duty is to serve and protect every citizen. We are committed to ensuring that security and traffic management contribute to a peaceful and orderly electoral process in Wau and across the state,” he added.
The training is part of a wider initiative by the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service to improve the professionalism and operational readiness of police personnel ahead of the elections.
The recruits have diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from primary and secondary education to university level, reflecting efforts to build a broader and more capable national police service.
The program is being overseen on the ground in Wau by Lt. Gen. Edward Dimitry Lukak; Maj. Gen. Mareng Mareng Nhail, Western Bahr el Ghazal State Deputy Commissioner of Police; Maj. Gen. Hussein Girish Yambio; and Director of Training Col. Martin Chol Mabior Lual.
The training is expected to prepare officers for a range of responsibilities, including maintaining public order, protecting polling centres and electoral personnel, managing traffic, and ensuring that citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.
Addressing the recruits, Minister of Interior Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu urged them to uphold professionalism, impartiality, patriotism, and respect for the rule of law.
“I urge all recruits to remain professional, impartial, patriotic, and committed to the rule of law. You are being trained to serve the people, not political parties or individuals,” Gen. Aleu said.
The minister emphasised that the conduct of police officers during the elections would be critical to maintaining public confidence and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
“During the elections, the police must protect every citizen equally and ensure that people can exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, or interference. Your conduct will be important in building public confidence and preserving peace before, during and after the elections,” he said.
Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal have also called on residents to promote peace, unity, and tolerance as the country moves closer to the December polls.
With Wau remaining generally peaceful, officials say the ongoing training will help sustain security and stability across the state while strengthening the police service’s ability to respond professionally to challenges that may arise before, during, and after the elections.
The deployment of a trained and professional police force, authorities say, will be essential to creating an environment where citizens can participate responsibly and freely in South Sudan’s democratic process.