It is a sweltering hot afternoon in the UN mission’s protection site in Malakal, South Sudan. Punishing weather notwithstanding, hundreds of people have gathered around the football pitch at the youth center.

The excitement is palpable. At one point the ball ventures towards the British defense and a striker rams into six-foot tall Ghanaian-born defender Sergeant Adubofour-Poku, AP to most, who barely appears to feel what seems like a hard tackle. The crowd is roaring, applauding and cheering.

Sunday afternoons at the mission’s protection site have been set aside for the famous Malakal English Premier League – a series of soccer games played between soldiers from the United Kingdom’s engineering taskforce and the ever so competitive local teams.

For three months now, Sergeant AP has painstakingly arranged the games between the British and the locals.

“Sport is the easiest way to bring people together and for us it became an integral way to connect with the community, and for them to connect with each other,” he says, “Even the greatest of enemies can be brought together through sport.”

Because of his efforts, the good Sergeant recently earned the coveted Sector Commander’s commendation for his role in engaging the local community through various tasks – including sports, vocational training and team building.

“Every Saturday morning, we come to the youth centre, where we, in collaboration with the Human Rights division, are training human rights advocates and giving them the skills they need to be the voice of their communities and to stand up for theirs and their peoples’ rights.”

Despite the glaring challenges, the team of trainers have remained consistent, arming hundreds of youth with the knowledge they need to navigate the waters of human rights defense. These younglings have also been equipped with life skills to build their confidence and improve their teamwork and problem-solving methods.

“There have been very tangible results. Just to give you one example: the shiest of the girls can now speak up and engage confidently with their peers. We have even gone as far as allowing them to plan their own events from scratch, preparing programmes and inviting participants including community leaders to attend, and it’s gone swimmingly well.”

Ironically, Sergeant AP never thought he would be in the army. Growing up, all he dreamed of becoming was a medical doctor. But fate had different plans. Fifteen years and a colourful army career later, he finds himself working with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, on the final tour of duty for the British army, which will wind down their operations here shortly.

“Being a part of the UN mission has been a unique experience compared to other tours I have been on, because I had the honour of working with the internally displaced people. They are people making the most out the bad cards that have been dealt to them, and I consider myself privileged to have added value to their lives.” 

Engagement with the locals has remained central in the eight tours of duty since British boots arrived in Malakal. The soldiers have consistently used their time and skills to improve the lives of those living here. Some of their highlighted projects include the rehabilitation of the Malakal stadium, the renovation of two schools in town, and a self-defense training.

As the curtains close on their time in South Sudan, the intangible benefits of their presence here will remain.

“If I could leave something for the people of South Sudan, it would be a call for understanding,” says Sergeant AP.

“Regardless of what tribes they belong to, they must work together, united and as equals. If they can work together with us, who are strangers to them, then they can surely work with each other.”