By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s security preparations for the Christmas holidays have taken on a broader national tone, with the National Police Service framing public safety as inseparable from social cohesion and responsible communication.
Addressing a national forum in Juba focused on combating hate speech, Police Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Monday Enoka said law enforcement agencies are rolling out reinforced security measures across the country to guarantee calm and orderly celebrations.
The three-day conference, held under the banner “Beyond the Painful Divides,” is organized by the Media Authority in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR).
It has brought together information ministers from the states, representatives of the Three Administrative Areas, civil society organizations, and senior media professionals.
Enoka said police patrols will be expanded during the festive period, with officers positioned in churches, marketplaces, residential areas, public venues, and along major transport routes.
He noted that security personnel will also be present at large gatherings to prevent crime and respond quickly to emergencies.
Beyond physical security, the police spokesperson turned attention to the growing challenge of hate speech, describing it as a hidden threat capable of undermining peace and national unity.
He warned that inflammatory messages, often spread through digital platforms, can provoke violence, inflame ethnic divisions, and destabilize communities, particularly during nationally significant moments such as holidays and elections.
He emphasized that hate speech is a criminal offense under South Sudanese law and said the police will not hesitate to investigate cases and hold offenders accountable.
He underscored that policing in the country is guided by respect for human rights and accountability, even as security institutions face capacity and resource constraints.
Highlighting the influence of the media, Enoka urged journalists and editors to act responsibly by verifying information and practicing conflict-sensitive reporting that contributes to peace rather than division.
He praised the Media Authority and JHR for creating a platform for dialogue, saying trust between the media, communities, and security agencies is vital to preventing violence.
As South Sudan enters the Christmas season, the police appealed to citizens to celebrate peacefully, cooperate with security personnel, and reject hate-driven narratives.
Enoka concluded by stressing that lasting security cannot be delivered by the police alone, but requires collective responsibility, dialogue, and mutual respect across society.