Over 5,000 police personnel undergo election security training in Warrap State
Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 6 hours ago
Police recruits participate in endurance running drills in Kuajok, Warrap State. Over 5,000 personnel across the state are undergoing intensive physical and tactical training ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 general elections. | Photo: Courtesy
More than 5,000 police personnel across six counties in Warrap State are undergoing training as security forces prepare for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Nearly 3,000 of the personnel are training in Kuajok town as part of a National Police Service program to improve discipline, professionalism, and public safety before the polls.
Speaking on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Warrap State Police Commissioner Major General James Monday Enoka stated that 41 professional trainers, led by Colonel Gabriel John, are managing the instruction.
“The training in Warrap State is progressing very well,” Maj. Gen. Enoka said. “We are continuing with applied training, which includes drills. That will be followed by arms management. After 45 days, we start teaching laws and police science.”
State authorities stated that the program aims to prepare officers to maintain public order, protect civilians, and secure polling stations.
The training aligns with a nationwide recruitment drive launched in April 2026 by the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service. Inspector General of Police Said Chawul Lom previously stated that a national assessment revealed manpower shortages, training gaps, and uneven age distribution within the force.
The recruitment drive targeted South Sudanese citizens aged 18 to 30 from all states and administrative areas to construct a representative force. In addition to recruiting new personnel, the police service is recalling untrained officers for instruction and organizing specialized units.
During the electoral period, security personnel will secure polling stations, protect candidates and their residences, safeguard ballot boxes during transport and storage, and manage crowd control.