Aiming to help combat insecurity, community leaders from Bentiu and Rubkona towns today met with internally displaced people’s (IDPs) leaders from the UNMISS protection of civilians (PoC) site in Bentiu.

Following the first ever meeting between traditional leaders from Bentiu and Rubkona towns and the Bentiu PoC site, the community leaders agreed to work together to tackle criminal activities inside and outside the PoC site.

UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Victor Fasama, whose section arranged the meeting, explained that the idea came about after reports that some people commit crimes in the PoC and run to Bentiu and Rubkona towns, while those committing crimes in the town run to the PoC site.

He noted that the meeting presented a unique opportunity for traditional leaders from the three places to discuss common issues and open an avenue for confidence building among themselves.

The traditional leaders resolved to communicate in writing to apprehend and commit to trial those suspected of crimes who are attempting to escape justice with respective traditional court mechanisms.

The leaders also agreed to brief the local government in Bentiu town as well as the Community High Committee in the POC site about the resolutions reached, and hold a monthly meeting to discuss work related issues and review progress.

The leaders expressed their appreciation to UNMISS for bringing them together and indicated their interest in future initiatives of similar nature.