Wau Police Training Advances Ahead of December Elections

By Wek Atak Kacjang

Police training for 1,585 recruits is progressing in Wau as authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State strengthen preparations for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 2026.

The training is aimed at improving the capacity of police personnel to maintain public order, protect communities and polling centers, and support a peaceful electoral process.

The recruits, including men and women from Raja, Wau and Jur River counties, have educational backgrounds ranging from primary and secondary school to university level.

Interior Minister Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu has urged the recruits to uphold professionalism, impartiality, patriotism and the rule of law. He has also stressed that the police serve the public and must not be used to support any political party or individual.

The training is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service to prepare officers to safeguard polling centers, protect electoral personnel and ensure citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.

In Wau, the exercise is being overseen by Assistant Inspector General of Police Lt. Gen. Edward Dimitry Lukak, Western Bahr el Ghazal Deputy Commissioner of Police Maj. Gen. Mareng Mareng Nhail, State Traffic Police Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Girish Yambio and Director of Training Col. Martin Chol Mabior Lual.

Police commanders and state authorities have emphasized discipline, impartiality and professionalism as core values for officers as the country approaches the elections.

Authorities have encouraged residents to promote peace, unity and tolerance and to participate responsibly in the electoral process.

Police leadership said the training is expected to help sustain security and stability in Western Bahr el Ghazal before, during and after the elections.