Wun-Aliet Peacekeeping Training Centre Opens
South Sudan officially unveiled the Wun-Aliet Peacekeeping Training Centre on 13 August 2025, marking a decisive investment in professionalising the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces. The facility, northwest of Juba, aims to prepare troops for regional and UN deployments.
Top Brass Signal Strategic Priority
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol led senior officers at the ceremony, flanked by Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Rabi Majung. “We expect commitment, resilience and perseverance,” Gen. Dau told 600 recruits, stressing that discipline will shape South Sudan’s international reputation.
Community Blessing Strengthens Legitimacy
A traditional cleansing ritual by local elders opened the event, acknowledging the community that donated the land. Governor Majung said the gesture “roots the army inside society, not above it”, and urged soldiers to plan for life after service through education and entrepreneurship programmes.
Curriculum Fuses Combat and Careers
According to instructors, the six-month syllabus blends combat drills, international humanitarian law, English language, and medical response. Maj. Gen. Dr. Ajak Bullen welcomed recruits with nursing diplomas, noting their skills will be critical in field hospitals from Abyei to multinational missions.
Veteran commander Maj. Gen. Nyakiir Atem, once part of the famed all-female Katiba Banat battalion, encouraged women in uniform to “guard integrity in a male arena” while seizing leadership courses the centre promises.
Partners and Mandate Clarified
UNMISS officials, acting as technical partners, praised the centre’s potential to supply well-trained contingents to UN peacekeeping rotations. Lt. Gen. Ashab Fahasal reminded recruits that defending civilians and borders remains their core mandate, even while operating under foreign flags.
From Parade Ground to Global Stage
Analysts view the initiative as a soft-power play for the world’s newest nation, projecting reliability to East African neighbours and investors. Planned graduations every year could eventually see thousands of South Sudanese soldiers serving in AU or UN theatres.
For now, Wun-Aliet’s dusty parade ground buzzes with chants and foot drills, a scene Gen. Dau says “signals our passage from liberation movement to professional force ready to keep peace beyond our borders.”