UNDP boosts community security in Terekeka County, South Sudan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing community security activities in Terekeka County, South Sudan, with support from the Peacebuilding Fund. The initiative aims to strengthen trust between the police and the communities they serve, and to reinforce grassroots peace structures. Two Police-Community Relations Committees (PCRCs) have been established under the programme to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

The UNDP has provided the PCRCs with security kits and chairs to facilitate their participation in community security efforts. Mercyline Sikasa, the UNDP lead facilitator, stated that the support will enable the committees to contribute to safety in their areas through early warning and information sharing, as well as joint patrols with the police to prevent crime. This approach is expected to foster cooperation and trust between the police and the community.

Sikasa emphasized that the intervention is helping to close the gap between security providers and residents, while strengthening grassroots peace structures. When communities view the police as partners rather than strangers, trust grows, and that is the foundation of lasting peace, she said. The UNDP team also met with County Commissioner Abraham Kenyi John to discuss the initiative and its potential impact on the community.

County officials expressed appreciation for UNDP's support, including the renovation of the female wing of Terekeka prison. County Executive Director Santo Abuli thanked UNDP and its partners for their continued support, saying it demonstrates a commitment to the safety and dignity of the people of Terekeka County. The county's head of security and other leaders were also present at the meeting.

Deputy Police Chief Inspector Salim Khamis Murasal welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen cooperation between officers and residents. The PCRCs will facilitate information sharing and joint patrols, enabling the police to respond quickly and prevent crime, he said. This cooperation is expected to improve the community's perception of the police and their services.

Community security is widely recognized as a way to improve public safety through shared responsibility, with residents and police working together to identify and address local security concerns. The UNDP's initiative in Terekeka County is an example of this approach, which has the potential to enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.

The establishment of the PCRCs and the provision of security kits and chairs are part of a broader effort to support community security in Terekeka County. The initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of residents, and to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Key points

• The UNDP's initiative in Terekeka County aims to strengthen trust between the police and the communities they serve.
• Two Police-Community Relations Committees (PCRCs) have been established to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
• The initiative includes the provision of security kits and chairs to support the PCRCs in their community security efforts.