The South African Police Service has signed a R55 million agreement with the Norwegian embassy to support a police-training project in Sudan.

According to the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, the funds earmarked for the project will be divided in three parts: 70 percent will be spent in the Southern Sudan, 20 percent in Darfur and 10 percent in Khartoum.

The department believed that this project will greatly assist in creating a more secure and safe environment in Sudan especially Southern Sudan and Darfur.

"The police project will also assist towards the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by strengthening the police forces in Southern Sudan."

The agreement, signed together with the National Treasury, follows a memorandum of understanding between South Africa and Sudan signed two years ago.

It aimed to provide assistance in the field of safety and security in support of the CPA between the north and south of the Sudan, the Darfur Peace Agreement and overall security capacity building.

As a result, the Norwegian Embassy was consulted for financial assistance on the implementation of the memorandum.

"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."

BuaNews