They were then “dis-invited” by the United Nations peacekeeping mission, who said lead co-ordinators had not been consulted on the move.
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Thousands of people continue to flee uncertainty and fighting in South Sudan.
“UN peacekeeping has chose to disinvited these PCCs (police-contributing country) from returning their police officers to South Sudan and has conveyed this decision to the concerned countries”, added the official.
But it comes at a time the worldwide community is already lambasting Britain over the Brexit, raising doubts about their position as a “great power” going forward, and these two policemen are serving as an opportunity to raise those doubts in a more public manner.
Since fighting erupted on July 7 between forces loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, 26,468 people have crossed into Uganda’s northern region, including 24,321 in the previous six days alone.
Yesterday, the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) presented a certificate of appreciation to Bishop Johnson Gakumba for the diocese’s immediate mobilisation following the deadly fighting in Juba.
“UN peacekeeping has chose to disinvite these PCCs (police-contributing country) from returning their police officers to South Sudan and has conveyed this decision to the concerned countries”, added the official.
“We judged their temporary removal was necessary for the officers’ safety. Their well-being is our chief concern”, said the spokesperson.
We could be on the verge of losing our veto power on the UN Security Council, according to a leaked internal memo. Sweden was recently elected a member of the council for 2017-18.
The withdrawal of seven police officers from Germany and two from Britain put an end to their participation in the Unmiss police force.
The Security Council is considering a request from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to place an arms embargo on South Sudan and to ratchet up sanctions on individuals accused of hindering the peace process. South Sudan, which has sub-Saharan Africa’s third-biggest crude reserves, is producing as little as 120,000 barrels a day because of the conflict that began in December 2013.
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The officers did not return to the United Kingdom and are said to be waiting on standby in Uganda to return to South Sudan when the security situation improves.
