MALAKAL - When civil war erupted in 2013, hundreds of thousands of people fled for their lives, seeking sanctuary at United Nations peacekeeping bases across South Sudan.
After providing emergency protection to those in imminent danger, the mission later established United Nations Protection of Civilians sites, which provided security and access for humanitarians to support vulnerable families.
Over the years, displaced families continued to arrive the sites due to conflict as well as natural disasters.
“In the past, when there were no crises, people were self-sufficient. However, flooding has damaged farming land, there has been persistent insecurity, and refugees have also arrived from the conflict in Sudan. They may need to stay here for a while,” explains Paramount Chief, Adam Ajak.
As security improved after the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018, these protection sites were gradually transitioned into settlements under the management and protection of the Government.
The only remaining camp under UN oversight in Malakal, Upper Nile, has now also been officially handed over.
“The Government remains the primary duty bearer for protection of civilians. UNMISS intervenes only when civilians come under threat of physical violence and there are no viable alternative protective measures in place,” explained Acting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Graham Maitland, at the handover ceremony. “Therefore, the Government will take full responsibility under its sovereign obligations to protect civilians following the redesignation of this Protection of Civilians site.”
Around 40,000 people live in the settlement, moving freely between the camp and the town. Among them is 69-year-old businessman, Michael Obech, who has lived at the site for 13-years. He’s comfortable with the transition but wants assurances that security will continue to be provided.
“It is not bad because we are in a congested area and we already move in and out of protection site to town and other areas for business purposes,” he says. “If the government takes over this settlement, there is no problem, but they must provide security to the citizens, it’s their responsibility.”
The handover process has been conducted in a careful, coordinated manner, with the safety of residents remaining a top priority. While risks remain given the volatile situation in South Sudan, the Government is promising to care for the displaced communities.
“Let me assure you that the Government of Upper Nile State is fully committed to protecting every civilian without discrimination. The responsibility for security now rests with our institutions and we are determined to uphold law and order by all legal and necessary means,” confirmed the Deputy Governor, Deng Akuei Kak.
“The safety and dignity of our people remain our highest priority.”
The hope is that today’s handover signals a new beginning for people who have suffered for far too long.
“Let us leave the painful memories of the past behind us, let us turn a new page, let us replace division with unity, fear wand doubt with trust and conflict with reconciliation,” urged the Deputy Governor.
“Peace is not only the absence of war, it is the presence of justice, cooperation, and shared purpose. We must promote community dialogue, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence as the path towards a better future for all.”
