The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has taken a series of steps to strengthen security in relation to the Protection of Civilians sites within the Mission's compounds. Security problems have continued to cause serious concerns at the gates and in the vicinity of the UNMISS compounds.
On Monday 10th February, the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) conducted an operation outside the compound in Tomping, Juba. The action took place next to the Western Gate at the entrance of the protection of civilians’ site in the UN base. The operation was aimed at increasing security through searching for weapons, taking care of vehicles that could be a security threat and dismantling sale stands and liquor bars involved in illegal activity.
The operation was led by the South Sudanese Police with the support of 50 UN Police officers. At no point did South Sudan government troops surround the UNMISS compound, and neither was the SPLA involved in the operation.
Major General Said Sahul and Major General Pauline were in charge of the operation, supported by 130 South Sudanese Police officers and in close coordination with the UN Police of UNMISS. The Mayor of Juba and the State Police Commissioner of Central Equatoria State were also involved. The Mayor of Juba had previously made public announcements through radio and TV to give the week-end (7 till 9 February) for civilians to be prepared for the operation that was to take place outside the UNMISS Western gate.
The operation started on Monday at 06:30 am and was completed by 11:00 am that same morning. The Western Gate has now been cleared and private vehicles taken by SSNPS Traffic Police for further verification. A number of military uniforms, some ammunition as well as knives and machetes have been seized by SSNPS. No UN vehicles were parked outside the Western gate and none were seized by the SSNPS.
Further operations are planned to address security related concerns. They will also be led by the SSNPS and coordinated with UN Police.