South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
Simon Deng
The spokesperson for the South Sudan Police Service, Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, has confirmed positive developments in the protection of civic space in South Sudan, in contrast to global concerns over shrinking freedoms.
“Civic space needs security. Today, civic space faces pressure in many countries, but in South Sudan, there is progress and improvement,” Enoka stated on Wednesday during the closing of a two-day forum on freedom of expression.
“The government has taken positive steps that deserve recognition. We have legal frameworks in place that protect the rights to freedom of expression and media rights,” he added.
While updating participants on the ongoing security situation, Enoka noted that the situation has improved following a crackdown on criminal gangs.
“The objective of establishing these sectors has been successful. The rate of crime is decreasing, and there is improvement in the sectors,” he said.
“It was alarming when we started these operations; there were no complaints about the gangs. So, we investigated them and screened them. Those who needed reform have been taken to other facilities,” he explained.
“The rest have been handed back to their parents. We keep records and make the parents sign a document. They will not allow them to go out with the gangs again,” he concluded.
