UNMISS assesses insecurity in Lakes

29 Sep 2014

UNMISS assesses insecurity in Lakes

26 September 2014 - To assess increased violence in Lakes State, a high-level delegation from UNMISS Juba concluded a two-day visit to the capital Rumbek today.

The delegation was headed by Director of Civil Affairs Ali Hassan and included Police Commissioner Fred Yiga and Deputy Force Commander Brig. Gen. Ramesh Kumar Pun. The visit aimed to determine how UNMISS could help bring peace to Lakes.

“We have come to Lakes State to see how we can help,” said Mr. Hassan in a meeting with Caretaker Governor Matur Chut Dhuol. “We want to hear what we can do.”

The delegation also met with the Legislative Assembly, Minister of Local Government, Acting Minister of Information, SPLA Commander, Police Commissioner, Peace Advisor, Security Advisor and community leaders.

“The main problem in Lakes State are the arms,” said Executive Chief Majok Maper of Rumbek Central County in a meeting with the delegation. “Also the conflict in Juba has affected this state.”

Over the last couple of months, inter-communal violence has flared up in Lakes. Last week alone 52 people were killed in incidents varying from road ambushes and revenge killings to cattle raiding.