Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The South Sudan National Police Service has defended Thursday’s military and security deployments across the capital Juba as a routine “election rehearsal” aimed at testing preparedness ahead of the country’s anticipated polls later this year.
The increased presence of uniformed forces on major roads across the city on Thursday has drawn public concern, with some residents questioning the motive behind the show of force.
However, police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin dismissed the fears, insisting that the operations are part of normal security procedures during a sensitive political period.
“It is part of our normal duties… by night we deploy people and then during the day even. It is actually like a rehearsal [for forces],” Justin told Sudans Post, explaining that the exercises are designed to simulate real-time scenarios that security personnel may face during elections.
He stressed that with limited time remaining before the polls, security agencies must accelerate their readiness efforts. “We have a lot of issues before us now… especially with the upcoming election. The time is very limited, so we have to make some rehearsals,” he added.
As part of the preparations, police have also rolled out refresher training programs for officers and non-commissioned officers. The training is intended to sharpen operational skills, reinforce discipline, and improve coordination among units expected to play a role during the election period.
Despite the heightened deployments, authorities maintain that the security situation in Juba remains stable. Justin urged residents to continue with their daily activities without fear, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm.
“We are also starting refreshment training for our officers and NCOs… so generally the situation is normal. People should go to their work as usual. Nothing is panicking,” he said.
Police say the visible presence of organized forces is already contributing to a decline in criminal activity across the city. According to Justin, the deployment is intended not only as a preparedness exercise but also as a deterrent to crime.
“At the end of the day, it’s for protection. When the forces are out, we will deter criminals. They will feel that the security is around them and will not commit such crimes,” he explained.
He added that the ongoing operations target a wide range of offenses, including theft and drug-related crimes, describing the effort as “a complete package” addressing both minor and major security concerns.
According to police, the intensified patrols—particularly night operations involving vehicle checks—have already narrowed the activities of criminal groups operating within the city.
Authorities say these measures will continue in the coming weeks as part of sustained efforts to maintain law and order. Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as the country moves closer to the election period.
The police insist that the deployments are not a response to any immediate threat, but rather a proactive step to ensure that security forces are fully prepared to manage the demands of a national election.
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