Foot patrols by UNMISS peacekeepers in the vicinity of the Protection of Civilian (PoC) site in Bentiu have reduced the number of crimes committed against women collecting firewood in the area.

“We now face no problem. The presence of UNMISS peacekeepers around is important and is helping us to move around with confidence”, says Nyabol Nyieth, one of many female PoC site residents who venture out for long hours of collecting firewood.

Nyabol explains that firewood is the only viable option available to cook for her family, and going out to get hold of it is hard work. On an average day, she spends six hours walking through elephant grass and bush vegetation to fetch the amount of firewood needed.

UNMISS military on the ground confirm that there were some instances of women getting robbed or sexually assaulted by armed, criminal elements lurking outside the PoC site, but those horrors are now a thing of the past.

Peacekeepers are now conducting an average of ten foot patrols per week, following the movements and paths of people in the area. The patrols operate within a radius of approximately seven kilometers in different directions from the PoC site. Their legwork has also helped create a sense of a steadfast UNMISS presence in the vicinity, benefiting not only firewood collectors but also the local communities in general.