The presidency has postponed the graduation of more than 600 Police Cadet Officers at Rajaf Training Centre to a ‘later date’ yet to be announced.

According to Dr. Barnabas Marial Benjamin, Minister of Presidential Affairs, the decision reached on Tuesday by the presidency was to allow for necessary preparations prior to the graduation ceremony.

The communication putting the exercise on hold was abruptly issued on Wednesday, June 9.

At least 602 Police Cadets of batch 22 were expected to graduate into professional law enforcement officers.

The meeting—which brought together the President Salva Kiir and vice presidents—also   resolved to ‘‘accelerate the graduation process of the unified forces, relocation of all the forces to the cantonment sites, including the government’s forces and opposition groups’ and to expedite the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to foster unity among South Sudanese.’’

President Kiir also ordered Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak to ensure necessary logistical supports are in place for the graduation of organised forces. The officers have stayed in training centres across the country since 2019.

“Further, His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit directed the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime to mobilize the necessary logistical support for the unified organized forces,” said Dr. Marial in a press release seen by the City Review.

The meeting, chaired by President Kiir, was attended by the First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and the other four vice Presidents, presidential security advisor and minister of presidential affairs.