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South Sudan police officer turns United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) training into real results for victims of crimes in Bor
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“The thin line between justice denied and justice served is determined by investigation.”
This simple but profound statement by warrant officer, Michael Dhieu Malual, perfectly captures how he has harnessed the power of newly developed investigation skills into meaningful outcomes for victims of crime in Bor.
After receiving five-days of specialized training by United Nations police officers serving with the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, he was able to successfully deliver justice for victims of an armed robbery.
It was in the middle of the night when an offender broke into the victim's home, threatening the residents with a gun, and running off with a bag full of clothes and other belongings.
“The residents informed the police about the crime, and we cordoned off the scene before marking, photographing and packaging the evidence,” recalls warrant officer Dhieu. “A few days later, we found the perpetrator wearing the same clothes that he had stolen, and we were able to get these identified by the owner. We further investigated and were able to take the case successfully to court.”
This positive outcome was achieved with the support of the UN police who provided Dhieu and 30 others, including eight women, from the police force, riverine crime unit, traffic and criminal investigations teams with intensive training over a five-day period.
“We were able to absorb the importance of a meticulous approach to investigation, including how a single fingerprint, a careful interview, or a well-documented chain of custody can mean the difference between justice served and justice denied,” Dhieu explains.
The officers did a deep dive into the craft of criminal investigation, including securing crime scenes, recording evidence and interviewing victims, witnesses and perpetrators, and compiling case files for prosecution.
Beyond technical skills, officers also strengthened their understanding of legal frameworks guiding their work, the importance of respecting victim and offender rights, and the need for collaboration with prosecutors and other agencies.
They explored all aspects of crime from violence and theft to fraud, cybercrime, and environmental offenses and the different investigative approaches each requires, ranging from proactive tactics to reactive responses, forensic science, and community partnerships.
UN Police Commander, Mwewa Mervyn Musonda, stressed the importance of a collaboration approach to training where officers share their experiences, reflect on challenges, lessons learned and explore shared solutions for securing a safer South Sudan.
“Our mandate is to pass on the skills that we have learned through our experience in our respective countries so that our South Sudanese colleagues can be aware of domestic and international practices and processes,” he said.
As the participants return to their communities, the impact of this training will be measured in every case they investigate, every victim they assist, and every act of justice they help deliver.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).South Sudan: United Nations (UN) Police Officer Shalemi Kumari urges communities in Jonglei to end conflict and choose peace
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“There is always a way forward if we seize the chance for change and choose peace.”
Working as a United Nations peacekeeper in Jonglei is a challenge at the best of times, but UN Police Officer, Shalemi Kumari, is relentlessly positive about the possibility of securing sustainable peace in the world's newest nation.
She works for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in a region that is plagued by intercommunal conflict and severe climate shocks, including flooding which has affected 625,000 people this year.
Many of those displaced by the rising waters are sheltering in overcrowded public facilities or relocating to higher ground. Impassable roads are impacting humanitarian assistance, the already dire economic situation, and peacebuilding efforts.
Despite the challenges, Shalemi Kumari is committed to protecting vulnerable civilians by strengthening community policing and supporting preparations to ensure a secure environment for the country's first democratic elections.
“The context here is one in which vulnerable people are adversely affected by crime and conflict. Our role is to reach out to these communities, particularly to address gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence, to ensure that victims' rights are realized and perpetrators held accountable.”
Utilizing her 22 years of experience as a criminal investigator, community policing officer and police prosecutor in her home country of Fiji, Shalemi Kumari is particularly focused on supporting women and girls, who are disproportionately impacted by conflict and often excluded from participating in political and peacebuilding activities.
“We go out into the communities to hear their concerns, make them aware of their rights and how to report incidents of violations and abuses,” she says.
“We also conduct training for the South Sudan National Police Service officers, advising, mentoring and empowering them, to build their capacity to protect their own citizens.”
For Shalemi, her work is a professional duty but also a personal commitment given how far she is away from her home on the other side of the world.
“I maintain contact with my family back home through daily phone and video calls,” she says.
“But to be honest, I don't feel lonely here. I have bonded with my colleagues and friends from various countries and regions. I feel like I now also have a family here in South Sudan.”
While the separation is difficult, the appreciation of her three children for her service in the cause of peace also gives her strength.
In every step she takes, she carries, not only, her duty as a peacekeeper, but also the heart of a mother determined to make South Sudan a better place for the next generation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).Press Release – United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) calls for an immediate end to fighting in Eastern Equatoria
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The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities following reports of renewed fighting and rising tensions in Eastern Equatoria state.
These incidents follow recent intercommunal violence, cattle raids and reported aerial bombardment in Ulang and Baliet counties, Upper Nile state, which have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and displacement.
UNMISS reminds all parties that such violence directly contravenes commitments under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“These escalations must stop immediately,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. “We call on all parties to pull back, engage in dialogue and allow humanitarian partners unhindered access to those in need.”
“Furthermore, host authorities must uphold their responsibility to prevent conflict, protect civilians and respond to community needs, especially at a time when UNMISS has been required to close its field office in Torit due to the UN-wide financial crisis,” she added.
For its part, the Mission has strengthened patrols in and around hotspots, and continues to work with all stakeholders, including authorities and communities, to deter further harm.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).