500 new security officers to guard Paloch oil fields ahead of elections

About 500 new National Security Service officers graduated Sunday in Paloch, Upper Nile State, and will be deployed to guard the area’s oil fields and keep order ahead of the Dec. 22 elections, local officials said.

The ceremony was led by Brig. Gen. Waal Deng Mading, the security commander at Paloch oilfield, and attended by Melut County Acting Commissioner Adwai Akiech Yuot and other security officials.

Seventh batch

The graduates were recruited from counties across Upper Nile State. Officials said it is the seventh batch trained by the National Security Service and the second to graduate at county level in Melut.

The force will help secure oil installations and protect civilians and their property, officials said.

“Respect ordinary citizens”

Security commanders told the graduates to stay disciplined, respect the property of ordinary people and build trust with local communities.

Yuot said the graduation came at the right time as the country heads to the polls, and that the new officers could help keep the electoral process safe in Melut County. He urged them to act with wisdom and restraint and to work closely with other security agencies in the area.

Why it matters

The Paloch oil fields in Melut County are among South Sudan’s most important sources of crude, and oil pays for most of the government’s budget. Upper Nile State has seen repeated insecurity, and any disruption to production hits the national economy directly.

The deployment comes as security forces across the country prepare for South Sudan’s first general election since independence in 2011.

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500 new security officers to guard Paloch oil fields ahead of elections

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