Frustrated CID officer lambasts government over frontline negligence in Jonglei

BOR – A serving officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the South Sudan National Police Service has accused the government of neglecting frontline security personnel deployed to Jonglei State, alleging meagre allowances, lack of food supplies, and medical care for wounded officers returning from combat zones.

The officer who sought anonymity expressed frustration over the treatment of officers sent on mission to northern Jonglei at a time when government joint security forces are battling renewed rebellions and armed community militias in parts of Duk County, Pajut and surrounding 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,” he said on Friday. “We lost some of our brothers’ lives in Pajut and Poktap. We came back from the mission, and they only gave 6,000 SSP each.”

The officer further claimed that injured officers received no medical attention upon return, while deployed personnel endured hunger due to the absence of food provisions in the field.

“Those who came back with injuries are down here with no treatment. While coming back, there was hunger, no food in Jonglei State for soldiers,” he said, before directing his criticism at police leadership: “Shame on you, IGP, with those who are working under your leadership.”

His remarks come as Jonglei remains at the centre of escalating military developments, with government forces recently reinforcing positions in the northern parts of the state to quell rebellions and prevent further territorial losses.

The deployment of joint security forces was intended to stabilise the region, but the officer’s statement suggests that frontline personnel continue to operate under severe logistical and welfare constraints.

The allegations reflect a broader and longstanding crisis within South Sudan’s organised forces, who have repeatedly complained of delayed or unpaid salaries, forcing them to rely on personal means or community support for sustainability.

Sources within the security sector say the conditions undermine morale and operational effectiveness, particularly during active combat deployments. Peace monitors have also cited poor welfare support as a factor contributing to desertions, indiscipline, and weakened command structures within the security sector.