6 November 2013 – The people, army and government must work together for South Sudan to become a stable nation, a senior Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) officer said in Juba today.

“It is only through cooperation that we can chart a better way forward,” said SPLA Deputy Director of Training Brig. Gen. Kual Madut Reech. Only in this way could the country fully achieve the goals of justice, liberty and prosperity set out in its post-independence motto.

Brig. Gen. Reech, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week peacekeeping operations training workshop for national army officers, said the military was aware of challenges faced by peacekeeping operations, including UNMISS.

“It is in the interest of UNMISS to support stabilization,” he said. “It is also important, however, that UNMISS personnel understand South Sudanese cultures and implement their mandate alongside this understanding.”

Some 30 SPLA officers attended the workshop, which was organized by the UNMISS military. It covered topics like international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, as well as UNMISS-specific issues, including the mission’s mandate, protection of civilians and the Status of Forces Agreement.

“It is the obligation and duty of the state to ensure the rights and protection of its individual citizens,” said Brig. Gen. Reech. “I urge all SPLA officers here to adhere to the principles you have learned.”

He said the SPLA was also determined to become a key player among those providing security in the region, as it continued to make efforts to transform into a professional army.

“Training workshops like these not only build the capacity for our forces, but also help the officers to understand how to meet the challenges of insecurity in South Sudan and the region,” he said. “If we synergize, we can overcome those challenges.”

UNMISS Force Commander Maj. Gen. Johnson Delali Sakyi said the UN and world at large expected the trained officers to use knowledge acquired to make South Sudan a better place to live.

“We want you to be disciples of the essence of Protection of Civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Sakyi. “Remember to impart this knowledge to your colleagues and subordinates.”