WESTERN EQUATORIA - Since 2021, when recurrent inter-communal violence escalated in the Greater Tambura region, numerous lives have been lost and thousands forced from their homes. 

For years, terrified civilians have at times been hiding in the bush, run away to neighbouring countries, or sought shelter in one of the several camps for internally displaced persons that dot the surroundings.

To better protect them, peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have increased their presence and intensified vehicle patrols, navigating treacherous, rain-soaked routes both day and night.

Visiting the several camps for the displaced, on foot, these Blue Helmets are engaging with the different ethnic communities who currently stay there.

For many, the presence of Blue Helmets brings reassurance, but their daily lives remain a struggle.

“We don’t understand the origin of this conflict. We have lived in this camp for several years, with hunger and suffering. Our makeshift shelters are in bad shape. The rainy season has made things worse, now we sleep on rainwater. We cannot farm because we fear being attacked. We urge the government and partners to look into our situation,” said Tereza Martin, one of many displaced women.

While the sight of UN peacekeepers may be comforting, most camp residents say that protection alone is not enough. Only when communities have reconciled and peace has been restored are they willing to return to their homes.

“We cannot leave. We can sleep only because UN peacekeepers patrol the area at night,” said Margret Dominic, also displaced.

To better serve the thousands of vulnerable civilians, UNMISS is constructing a new temporary base in what is thought to be a more strategic location.

“By making this move, we can do more patrols, engage with more people, and facilitate peace mediations and other processes on the ground,” explained Emmanuel Dukundane, a Civil Affairs Officer serving with UNMISS.

While the UN mission can and will continue to support South Sudan’s government in protecting Greater Tambura’s civilians, only the communities themselves, and their leaders, can agree to reconcile.