USAID has handed over a variety of items to the members of the Peace and Security Council within the UNMISS Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal. The donations were made to recognize the Council’s efforts to maintain peaceful relations between different communities seeking shelter at the site.

During the handover ceremony the USAID Regional Programme Development Coordinator in Malakal, Emmanuel Changun Choul, said that the donations were made in recognition of the hard work of the members of the Peace and Security Council.

“This is not a payment, you do a lot of work that is voluntary, so what we are giving to you is something to help you continue with that work, which is to maintain peaceful co-existence between different communities staying in the PoC site”, Mr. Choul said.

The gifts included stationary, t- shirt, caps, jackets, umbrellas, solar lights, raincoats and gumboots.

Benjamin Walter, speaking on behalf of the UNMISS Head of Field Office, appreciated the role played by the Peace and Security Council in addressing tensions between communities.

“You have played your part effectively. We know that you can’t do everything, but to a very large extent you have been helpful in addressing tensions in the PoC site and in conveying important messages to the people staying there”, said Mr. Walter.

The chairman of the Peace and Security Council in the UNMISS Malakal PoC site, Matthew Chol, pledged to continue to serve the community.

“We are serving our people. Nobody from another place can be brought here to help our people, and that is why we accept to serve day and night although we are facing many challenges. Our focus is to bring our people together.”