South Sudan has deployed a heavy contingent of police officers in the capital Juba, with the police service saying that the move is a routine "election rehearsal" ahead of planned polls in December 2026.

Sudans Post reports that there was a heavy presence of police on roads across the city from Thursday, causing anxiety among residents over a possible security threat.

However, South Sudan's police service has allayed these fears, saying that the law enforcement officers are testing security preparedness ahead of planned elections at the end of the year.

"It is a rehearsal for our forces (ahead of the elections)," Major General Daniel Justin, South Sudan's spokesperson, said.

Police patrols to intensify

Justin added that the deployment would simulate scenarios that the officers may face during elections with the aim of formulating an appropriate response.

The exercise is also aimed at sharpening operational skills, improving police coordination, and reinforcing discipline before, during, and after the planned polls, the police spokesperson said.

"The time (left until the December 2026 election) is very limited. So, we have to conduct some rehearsals," Justin told Sudans Post.

He added that police patrols in the capital will intensify in the weeks ahead.

Elections previously postponed

South Sudan, which attained independence from Sudan in 2011, is yet to hold its first-ever general election. The country was supposed to hold the polls in December 2024, but they were postponed by two years over inadequate preparation and security concerns.

South Sudan is currently being governed under a transitional constitution after a five-year civil war broke out in the country between 2013 and 2018.