DSRSG Soumaré visits Yambio to assess security

26 Jun 2015

DSRSG Soumaré visits Yambio to assess security

25 June 2016 - To assess the security situation in Western Equatoria State, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Moustapha Soumaré today made his first visit to the capital Yambio.

“The purpose of my coming to Western Equatoria State is to (learn) from state authorities about the security situation in Mundri West and Maridi counties and (to see) how UNMISS staff can work as a team to help the community,” Mr. Soumaré said during a visit with Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro.

Mr. Bakosoro said the state was now facing insecurity caused when conflict erupted between nomadic cattle keepers and farmers in Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo counties.

“Western Equatoria State was peaceful until (recently) when cattle keepers imported insecurity which resulted in killings, destruction of properties and displacement of civilians,” he said.

The governor said his priority was to maintain security and encourage the community to engage in agricultural activities and education.

“The citizens this year will have food to eat because we have been encouraging the community to cultivate and not to cause insecurity,” he said.

Mr. Bakosoro said the state also suffered bad roads, which would hinder transportation of food to other South Sudanese states.

Dismissing allegations rebels were attacking government forces in the state, the governor said only one community leader from Mundri West County, Wisly Welebe, had tried to take up arms, demanding withdrawal of cattle keepers from the state. Mr. Bakosoro said the government had initiated dialogue with Mr. Welebe to avoid conflict.

The governor urged Mr. Soumaré to support the “peace-loving people” of Western Equatoria State and ensure that citizens of the “Green (peaceful) State” could feel the mission’s presence through Quick Impact (infrastructure) Projects and other services.

During his visit, the DSRSG also met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Mundri West and Maridi counties who had fled their homes seeking safety in Yambio. Over 4,000 IDPs living under trees in Yambio are receiving support, including food, non-food items and immunization from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner as well as UN agencies.

Mr. Soumaré also held a brief meeting with UNMISS staff to discuss achievements made and challenges faced.