BOR – “Everybody wants peace, and the fighting to stop.”
This was the message shared with the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, during a visit to Bor, the headquarters of troubled Jonglei.
Her first engagement was with the Governor of Jonglei State, Riek Gai Kok.
“Our new mandate reinforces our priorities to protect civilians, monitor and report on human rights violations and, equally importantly, to facilitate humanitarians to operate and support life-saving interventions, wherever needed” she explained, while requesting State authorities to ensure freedom of movement for aid agencies as well as UN peacekeepers.
Jonglei has been plagued by military confrontations and intercommunal conflict, with many lives lost, homes destroyed, and tens of thousands of people displaced. Heavy rains make most roads impassable, leaving many communities cut off and placing an extra burden on already stretched aid agencies.
The SRSG discussed these challenges with representatives of humanitarian organizations, exploring ways to better coordinate activities to ensure the most vulnerable are reached in a safe and timely manner.
A recent example of impactful cooperation is the protection provided by UNMISS peacekeepers to a 30-truck convoy travelling in dire conditions over three days from Pibor to Akobo to deliver critical food supplies and other items to those in need.
Discussions about how to advance political solutions to conflict and enhance the civic space so that peace processes are inclusive were also held with representatives from civil society.
“Our biggest ask is the creation of safe spaces, and a secure, peaceful environment where we can gather youth and women, to advocate for and conduct peacebuilding activities, said Victoria Yob, the Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network.
Next on the agenda was a visit to a camp for displaced communities.
“Security is our number one priority, because that affects criminality in our area. We are grateful that we live close to the UNMISS camp, and we hope that the UN can work with all parties to end fighting and insecurity in our country,” said Elizabeth Joseph Chan, Chairperson of the camp.
After hearing their concerns as well as their hopes for peace, the SRSG reiterated UNMISS’ commitment to working with all parties to secure sustainable peace.
“In my meetings with all stakeholders, the consensus is the same. Everybody wants peace, and the fighting to stop - the only disagreement is how to get to that point. UNMISS will explore all possibilities, to see how we can help bring everyone to dialogue and ensure a lasting peace.”
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By Robin Giri
