31 May – Flags were raised, wreaths were laid and tributes were paid to fallen and serving peacekeepers as UNMISS commemorated International Day of UN Peacekeepers (29 May) across the country. The one exception was Upper Nile State, where prevailing insecurity made a ceremony impossible, serving as a sobering reminder of why peacekeepers are needed in the country.

UNMISS and UN leadership, local authorities and representatives of civil society came together to honour peacekeepers who have given their lives in the name of peace, and salute contributions made by more than 125,000 peacekeepers around the globe, 14,000 of whom are serving in South Sudan.

Around the country, UNMISS State Coordinators read the Secretary-General’s message on the day. A minute of silence was observed, UN and South Sudanese flags were raised and wreaths were laid while leading local authorities expressed their appreciation of the work and sacrifices of peacekeepers’ posted in their respective states.

“I know that most of you have left your families behind in order to come here to serve this nation, and I salute you for that”, said Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, Governor of Western Equatoria State. He appealed for UNMISS support to assist in resolving recent conflicts in Mundri West County in an otherwise peaceful state.

In Kuajok, Warrap State, at least 5,000 people showed up at the Sports Stadium to enjoy exciting football and volleyball games between UNMISS teams and local Kuajok All Stars teams. According to the Acting Governor, Akec Tong Aleu, the event was the most well-attended ever in his state and would “promote cordial relations between UNMISS and our people”.

He also commended the mission for having saved “thousands of lives” through its presence and patrols, adding, “With you here, no matter for how long, we are sure that peace and stability will return to our country."

In Bentiu, capital of Unity State and one of the hardest-hit locations in the current conflict, UNMISS State Coordinator Mary Cummins hailed the “relentless dedication” and hard work of peacekeepers deployed there. With more than 62,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently seeking shelter and assistance at the UNMISS Protection of Civilians sites in the states, resources are stretched to the limits, and Ms. Cummins warned that worse could still come.

“As long as the fighting goes on, the humanitarian crisis in Unity State will deteriorate further. The recent military offensives have destroyed countless homes and livelihoods," she noted.

Eastern Equatoria State indulged in sporting activities like table tennis, pool and a Peacekeepers’ Day race as it commemorated the day in both Torit and Kapoeta.

In Kapoeta, UNMISS staff explained their different roles in fulfilling the mission mandate and screened a video showcasing the work of UN peacekeeping operations around the world. In Torit, Jerome Gama Surur, Deputy Governor of the state, emphasized the importance of peacekeepers being present and visible.

“The presence of peacekeepers enhances stability and gives confidence to the people. When the communities see you here, they feel safe and therefore don’t run away,” he said.

UNMISS staff in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal, kicked off their commemorations a day early, on Thursday, 28 May, by donating food and clothes to the elderly and most disadvantaged, including children at the Don Bosco Orphanage. On Peacekeepers’ Day proper, students and local artists performed dances and dramas, while uniformed peacekeepers marched alongside a South Sudanese police band in a procession from Peace Square to Wau Stadium.

In Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, UNMISS peacekeepers donated food and non-food items at Aweil Central Prison and blood to Aweil Civil Hospital. UNMISS State Coordinator Koliab Nahataba commented that the UN is in the country for everybody and expressed his faith that those currently in jail will one day become “useful citizens of the society”.

More than 1,000 people in the community of Cuei Chok Payam in Lakes State’s Rumbek East County were treated to what the Chief of the Dhieu clan, Mayek Manyuon, described as an “eye-opener”, when UNMISS staff visited the location and its primary school.

UNMISS Lakes State Coordinator Kwame Abaogey explained the mandate of the peacekeeping mission, and the different role played by UN humanitarian agencies.

Chief Manyuon expressed his gratitude for the clarifications but lamented what he felt to be a rather “restricted” UNMISS mandate. Dut Makoi, State Minister of Education, acknowledged that peacekeeping is indeed a very challenging endeavor and that the impartiality of UNMISS unfortunately makes the mission subject to inevitable criticism from different communities across the country.

Tabitha, a 5-year-old girl in Jonglei State, was more upbeat when she commented on her participation in a hygiene and sanitation coaching session led by female peacekeepers from the Sri Lankan UNMISS hospital in the state capital, Bor.

“Now I will wash my hands regularly. I just hope my mother will not become angry with me for using some of her water," said Tabitha, currently staying at the UNMISS Protection of Civilians site in Bor.

The Jonglei-based peacekeepers also marked Peacekeepers' Day with sporting activities, cultural performances and multicultural culinary offerings, much to the delight of the approximately 450 people in attendance.