AWEIL — Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Charles Madut Akol has warned newly recruited police trainees against drug use and misconduct as they undergo training in Aweil Town.
Governor Madut made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to the police training center in Mathiang, Aweil Town, where more than 300 recruits from across the state are undergoing training.
Madut said his visit was aimed at assessing the trainees and encouraging them to embrace professionalism, discipline, and the police code of conduct as they prepare to serve the country.
“My aim of coming here is to see for myself the number of those who are patriotic and committed to completing the training of the police. Rule of law is important to get implemented, and through that you have to show professionalism and discipline, so work on improving those,” Madut said.
The governor warned recruits involved in drug use or other behavior contrary to police standards to leave the training before they are identified.
“If there is anyone among you here who takes banga or drugs that makes you think unruly and act that way, please leave early. Those who are more principled are the people we are looking for here to complete the training,” he said.
The trainees, comprising young men and women, were drawn from the state’s five counties and two municipal councils.
Meanwhile, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Police Commissioner Gabriel Guet Paliet said the police leadership will focus on ensuring the recruits understood and followed the rules governing the police service.
He said the recruits would play an important role in supporting peaceful elections and protecting voters from intimidation and disturbances.
“These trainees will help in numerous ways, including conducting themselves in a mature way without disturbances. Those who will be elected will be elected by their voters without intimidation, and the police are duty-bound to help them choose their leaders without disturbances,” Guet said.
He described elections as an important step toward strengthening democratic governance and said police officers have a responsibility to help create a secure environment for citizens to exercise their rights.
The training is taking place as South Sudan prepares for its planned December 2026 general elections, with security agencies expected to play a role in maintaining order during the electoral process.
