WESTERN EQUATORIA - “We have been living in fear. Whenever there is a small issue, they beat you and point their gun at you.”
Gangura resident, Ester Naumba, explains the persistent tension between local communities and military forces in this small community, around 18 kilometers from Yambio town in Western Equatoria.
The area hosts members of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces(SSPDF) who have also served with the East African Regional Force in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Levels of trust and confidence between the soldiers and those they serve are low, with residents reporting harassment, abuse, violence, and a pervasive lack of accountability.
“The soldiers often come to drink the alcohol that we brew and leave without paying,” says mother of four, Jensty Messey. “If you ask for the money, you receive the beating of your life.”
To address this behavior and improve community confidence, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan supported a civil-military dialogue with 62 participants, including members of organized forces, women, youth, traditional leaders, local authorities and interfaith representatives.
It is part of an ongoing process by the peacekeeping mission to create safe spaces for the groups to openly discuss grievances and work together to find solutions that enable them to live together peacefully.
“The training that we have together will help improve the situation so that we can exist well together,” said Ester Naumba.
During the dialogue, the military leadership acknowledged the concerns and emphasized accountability within the ranks.
“Any soldier who misbehaves will be disciplined,” vowed Second Lieutenant Hassan Abdala, Commander of Gangura forces. “What has brought us together here is our desire to protect civilians. We need to create a regular forum where we can discuss this issue and move forward together.”
The free and frank discussions are key to building trust, strengthening accountability, and improving relations.
“Our priority is to ensure that strong relationships are created and that the community receive the protection they deserve,” said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Florence Ndhlovu.
At the conclusion of the forum, there was cautious optimism that continued engagement and open communication will help to heal old wounds and enable a shared, safer environment for all.
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By Okot Emmanuel
