By Louis Loku & Lodu William Odiya
Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has announced plans to recruit 2,500 police officers to strengthen security and maintain peace across the state.
According to his office, Governor Daniel said the initial recruitment target of 100 officers per county had been increased to meet the new target of 2,500 officers.
He explained that recruits from Yambio, Nzara, Ezo, Tambura, and Nagero counties would undergo training in Yambio, while those from Ibba, Maridi, Mvolo, Mundri East, and Mundri West would be trained in Maridi County.
The governor directed county commissioners to identify and register eligible recruits in their respective counties and work closely with police authorities to facilitate the recruitment process.
He also announced plans to establish a committee to oversee the recruitment and training exercise.
Trainers have already been deployed to the Maridi training centre, while food supplies are available in Yambio, adding that additional supplies were being delivered to support the exercise.
In a further effort to improve community security, the governor called for police officers to be assigned to the residences of local chiefs to strengthen protection and help prevent crime.
The planned recruitment is part of the Western Equatoria State government’s efforts to increase police capacity, improve law enforcement, and enhance security across the state’s 10 counties.
In another development, Daniel made a second appeal to people involved in armed activities to return home for dialogue, announcing an amnesty offer for those willing to embrace peace.
He urged young people still in the bush to return home and encouraged their relatives and friends to persuade them to abandon violence.
The governor said his administration would use dialogue to engage those who had taken up arms against their communities, amid security concerns in parts of Western Equatoria, including Mundri and Tambura.
“Let them come home. Let them come for dialogue. I’m also giving amnesty to anyone who wants to come,” Daniel said.
He urged communities to welcome returnees without stigmatising them and help them reintegrate into society.
“Don’t point fingers at them when they come. Welcome them and show them the right path,” he said.
The governor warned that war only brings destruction and poverty, while peace allows communities to rebuild and develop.
He also called on residents to embrace the upcoming elections and vote for leaders of their choice.