South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang on Tuesday invited the media to an event to showcase the deployment of the joint security forces and their equipment to secure the festive season.

Speaking at a press conference during a final parade before the deployment of the joint forces comprising SSPDF officers and men, police, National Security Service personnel, and other organized forces, Gen. Ruai reassured that the various forces, under the army’s leadership, are ready to protect civilians and their property.

“You can see the joint security forces comprising of units from SSPDF, there is the Tiger, Military Police, Ground Force, and at the back we have the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), and all these joint security forces are playing different roles,” he said. “The traffic police will take care of the traffic, and guide our citizens to drive carefully and with a lot of care. The security forces will protect members of the public and their property.”

The SSPDF mouthpiece said they have deployed different weapons to facilitate the protection of civilians.

“You are seeing different types of vehicles ranging from buses for transport, medium-sized trucks, and we have combat support vehicles mounted with different types of weapons systems ranging from 12.7 and 14.5,” he said. “The intention of holding this show of force parade is to reassure the public that we in the organized forces are ready with the right numbers put in place to provide security from now on until we are done with the festive season. So, we are demonstrating to the people that we have what it takes to protect them.”

Gen. Rual said the only way to demonstrate the preparedness of the security forces was by holding a public parade to show our force. 

“The second reason is that once these forces are seen on social media, they are shown on the mainstream media and it will act as a deterrent to those who might be harbouring intentions of committing crime,” he explained.  “So, this is the reason why we are showing all this combat support equipment and weapons to let them know that we are not only here in numbers, but we also have the power it takes for us to meet any eventuality.” Radio Tamazuj

Despite police denials, Kenya has seen a worrying rise in abductions in recent months, with many linking the surge to the aftermath of Gen Z-led protests earlier this year. 

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for the immediate release of Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, who were allegedly abducted after posting controversial tweets about President William Ruto.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the abductions as a violation of citizens’ rights, describing them as part of a growing trend of repressive tactics by the government. She urged the authorities to respect Kenya’s Bill of Rights and present the individuals in court if they are accused of any wrongdoing.

“We call for the immediate, unconditional release of Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, or that they be presented before court to answer to whatever alleged charges on account of which they are being held. These abductions are contrary to the law,” Odhiambo said.

Peter Muteti, 22, was reportedly abducted by four armed men, one of whom was in police uniform, around 9 a.m. Witnesses claimed two armed men forced him into a vehicle, which sped off. Muteti allegedly posted and later deleted an offensive image of President Ruto on his social media page before his disappearance.

Billy Mwangi was allegedly abducted from a barber shop in Embu by four masked men in a double-cabin pickup. Witnesses described the men as armed but could not confirm their identities.

These incidents come amid growing concerns about the role of law enforcement in disappearances. Despite police denials, Kenya has seen a worrying rise in abductions in recent months, with many linking the surge to the aftermath of Gen Z-led protests earlier this year.

Human rights organizations have called for transparency and accountability, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and public trust in security agencies.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has denied allegations that the National Police Service (NPS) is involved in abductions. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on National Administration and Internal Security on November 7, Kanja stated that none of the reported cases of kidnapping since June were perpetrated by law enforcement officers.

“As police, we don’t kidnap or abduct. We arrest and detain individuals in gazetted police stations and forward the cases to the courts if there is evidence of wrongdoing,” Kanja told lawmakers. 

Kanja disclosed that of the 57 disappearance cases reported since June, 22 individuals have been found alive, two were found dead, while 29 remain missing. Security agencies are continuing investigations into the unresolved cases. By Sharon Resian, Capital News

The contribution will enable WFP to provide food assistance to new arrivals and the most vulnerable refugees, while supporting self-reliance activities, such as farming, for those classed as less vulnerable.

“Refugee numbers in Uganda have nearly tripled over the past decade, straining scarce humanitarian resources,” said Abdirahman Meygag, WFP’s Country Director in Uganda. “This funding will help WFP address the immediate needs of new arrivals and promote sustainable livelihoods for those living through protracted crises.”

Uganda hosts 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers, up from 600,000 in 2014. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that around 135,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda since the start of this year, primarily driven by ongoing conflicts and climate shocks in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan and more recently Sudan.

WFP supports 1.4 million refugees in Uganda with food assistance in the form of cash and in-kind at 60 percent of a full ration for the most vulnerable refugees and a 30 percent ration for those classed as moderately vulnerable. New arrivals receive a full ration for the first three months. WFP also supports 52,000 refugees and Ugandan nationals with livelihood strengthening activities that support a transition to self-reliance.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. WFP