Jonglei State security operations under pressure
A serving officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in South Sudan’s National Police Service has publicly criticised welfare conditions for personnel deployed to Jonglei State, alleging limited allowances, scarce food supplies and insufficient medical support for wounded colleagues returning from combat zones.
CID officer describes mission from Bor to Duk County
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officer said he was deployed from Bor to Poktap in Duk County as joint security forces faced renewed rebellions and armed community militias in parts of Duk County, Pajut and nearby areas.
“We went on a mission from Bor to Poktap, Duk County in Jonglei State, after all this suffering while trying to save someone’s life and defend the country,” the officer said on Friday. He added that casualties were recorded in Pajut and Poktap.
Allowances, food supplies and medical care raised as concerns
The officer alleged that returning personnel received what he described as a modest allowance, saying officers were given 6,000 South Sudanese pounds each after the mission.
He also claimed that injured officers had not received treatment upon return, and that deployed personnel faced hunger during operations due to the absence of food provisions in the field. “Those who came back with injuries are down here with no treatment,” he said.
Police leadership targeted in blunt remarks
In unusually direct language, the officer addressed criticism at senior police leadership, including the Inspector General of Police. “Shame on you, IGP, with those who are working under your leadership,” he said, linking his remarks to the conditions faced by personnel on the ground.
Reinforcements in northern Jonglei amid unrest
The comments come as Jonglei remains a focal point of escalating military developments. Government forces have recently reinforced positions in northern areas of the state, in moves aimed at quelling rebellions and preventing further territorial losses, according to the account in the source text.
Welfare constraints and their impact on morale
The deployment of joint security forces was intended to stabilise the region, but the officer’s statement suggests continued logistical and welfare constraints for frontline personnel.
The allegations echo a longstanding challenge within South Sudan’s organised forces, where personnel have repeatedly complained of delayed or unpaid salaries, forcing reliance on personal resources or community support, according to the source text.
Sources warn of operational risks in active combat
Sources within the security sector, as cited in the source text, argue that such conditions can undermine morale and operational effectiveness during active deployments.
Peace monitors have also cited weak welfare support as a factor linked to desertions, indiscipline and strained command structures within the security sector, according to the same account.