South Sudan: The Roles of Security Forces When Executing their Constitutional Mandates
3 min read
Gen Akol Khor Kuch, NSS Director, South Sudan
By Ariik Kuol Ariik, Kapoeta, South Sudan
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 (PW) — The Security Forces such as Army, the Police and National Security must adhere to their Constitutional Mandate of Protecting the Constitution, lives and properties of the citizens. I have been observing the very unpleasant behaviour of Security Forces along the streets of Juba.
The Security Forces have been terrorizing civilians on the way trying to take the road by force, especially, along Hai-Thoura, Hai-Cinema, Custom run, J1-Buluk, Mobil and Custom runabouts just to capture a few.
Remember, you’re tasked to protect people by keeping public order and security. You’re not sent to cause insecurity and mistrust by intimidating the public. If you’re that kind of security Personnels, we better have no security and remain unprotected.
Please, don’t force people to leave you the way to pass. They know, you’re there working for the Country. Allow them to reflect and acknowledge your roles, not you brutally telling them that you’re important. If you’re forcing them to respect you, they will disrespect you. If you brutally ask them to trust you, they will mistrust you. Every positive thing comes with a positive flavour.
The heartbreaking incident I witnessed at the University of Juba roundabout, the security forces were beating one innocent Bodaboda Motor Rider just because he refused to give them a path to pass due Traffic jam. In the process of beating him, the guy was crying very politely with respect.
I heard him saying, “please, don’t beat me, I’m your citizen, ana Muothen bitak”. They refused to listen and kept on beating him until they broke one of his Upper teeth. What a terrible situation?. I concluded, those security Forces must be heartless and enemies in our Uniforms, (humman ma endum Guluup wu Hadu fi kaki bitana).
This humiliation of innocent citizens using public roads must stop immediately. Like the Army, the Police and the National Security, we’re not above the law. We’re not BOSSES to the General Public, but the SERVANTS.
Civilians are the BOSSES, that’s why they sleep comfortably at night and we remain awakening at night just to ensure their safety. Should insecurity and thefts occur at night, the public provides negative reports, enforced charges and demands accountability on us.
We’re born in public and we will go back to public when we retired. We must cooperate and work together to attain mutual benefits and achieve National objectives.
The Author, Ariik Kuol Ariik, holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development and Community Studies (2018/2019) and a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Economics (2013-2017) from Rumbek University of Science and Technology (RUST) and has worked as Journalist and opinions Writer on many occasions. He can be reached via contacts below – email: ariikkuolariik@gmail.com; Twitter: @AriikKuolAriik Skype/WhatsApp: +211 (0) 923 650 380; Cell Phone:+211 (0) 928 187 790.
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