JUBA, South Sudan, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- South Sudanese officials have acknowledged support of the United States in helping to train South Sudanese troops and security forces.
The U.S. State Department has reportedly provided nearly $29 million this year on initiatives to build up law enforcement; courts and corrections systems in the county, the Sudan Tribune reported Monday.
"Yes, we are thankful to the American government for all types of support we have received and continue to provide to augment the current efforts of our government," Interior Minister Aleu Ayeny Aleu said.
At least 15 South Sudanese officers underwent a two-week training program in June on agriculture management and prison industries with support of the U.S. government.
A senior military officer, who asked not to be named, said the United States had been instrumental in "providing training to our soldiers as part of general transformation into becoming a professional army."
He cited the U.S. role in fighting against the Lord's Resistance Army, a militant group accused of a range of human rights violations. U.S. training in tactical and intelligence gathering helped track down LRA members in the region, he said.
