Signing of Financial Agreement between the SAPS and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Support of SAPS Training of the Police Forces of the Sudan

Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Treasury and the Royal Norwegian Embassy signed a Financial Agreement of R55 million on 16 November 2009 in support of a police training project in the Sudan.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Sudan on police assistance was signed on 5 May 2007. The purpose of the MoU was, inter alia, to provide assistance in the field of safety and security in support of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the North and South of the Sudan, the Darfur Peace Agreement and overall security capacity building.

At that time, the Norwegian Embassy was consulted for financial assistance on the implementation of the MoU. The funds earmarked for the project will be divided in three parts, 70% will be spent in the Southern Sudan, 20% in Darfur and 10% in Khartoum.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the SAPS and the Royal Norwegian Embassy believe that this project will greatly assist in creating a more secure and safe environment in the Sudan especially Southern Sudan and Darfur. The police project will also assist towards the implementation of the CPA by strengthening the police forces in Southern Sudan.

The project is an example of the manifestation of the close cooperation among different government departments in South Africa in the execution of South Africa’s foreign policy in Africa and between South Africa and Norway in the context of North-South relations and South Africa’s relations with the European Union (EU). The partnership of Norwegian finance and South African expertise is an example of what could be achieved to address the shortcomings in Africa with creative solutions.

For more information contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X 152
Pretoria
0001

20 November 2009.