Police Chief, Gen. Louis G. Luak During POC Handover
Malakal, February 13, 2026
Savanna Radio News…
Police Commissioner Gen. Louis Gatkuoth Luak has welcomed the handover of the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site to Upper Nile State authorities, describing it as a “test of responsibility” for local security forces and a key moment for restoring public trust in state institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony in Malakal, Gen. Luak said the transfer of the camp from UNMISS to the state government signaled the end of an emergency era and the beginning of “normal policing” for thousands of internally displaced people who have lived under UN protection for years. He assured residents that the South Sudan National Police Service in Upper Nile is ready to assume full security responsibilities inside and around the former PoC.
“Our message to the people of Malakal is very clear: you are no longer living under a temporary UN shield, you are citizens under the protection of your own police and your own government,” he said, calling on all communities to cooperate with law enforcement and reject revenge attacks and hate speech. Gen. Luak emphasized that police deployment inside the camp would focus on civilian law and order preventing crime, tackling gang activity, and addressing gender-based violence rather than military-style operations. He pledged that officers stationed in the area would be professionally trained, non-partisan, and accountable to both state authorities and local community leadership structures.
At the same time, he acknowledged the fears of many displaced families who worry about returning to the control of national security organs after years of conflict. He urged them to report any abuses or intimidation by men in uniform and promised swift action against officers who violate citizens’ rights. “If anyone wearing this uniform threatens or harasses civilians, that person is an enemy of the law, not a protector,” he said.
The Police Commissioner also appealed to political leaders, chiefs, and youth representatives to use dialogue, not violence, to address local disputes, warning that any attempt to militarize the former PoC area would undermine the gains made so far. He noted that coordination mechanisms are being set up between the police, humanitarian agencies, and state officials to manage security incidents and maintain safe access for aid delivery.
For many residents, the handover and Gen. Luak’s remarks carry mixed emotions, hope for a return to normal life in Malakal, but also anxiety about whether state institutions can guarantee equal protection for all communities. As the UN draws down its direct protection role, the coming months will show whether the commitments made by the Upper Nile security leadership can translate into real safety and confidence for people who have spent years living behind UN fences.
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