UNMISS peacekeepers overcome a multitude of challenges to reach remote Chukudum

EASTERN EQUATORIA - It was always going to be a challenging journey, navigating 266 kilometers of rough terrain, military checkpoints, and other risks on the road to remote Chukudum in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan.

But what should have been a six-hour drive turned into a marathon two-and-a-half-day effort by a convoy of United Nations peacekeepers endeavoring to reach communities facing a growing humanitarian crisis.

“We had planned out the route, and we know that there can be problems with our vehicles when we are travelling on very damaged roads,” explains Taban Geoffrey Koma, a public information officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

“We had mechanics with us who were helping to fix the cars, and all team members were clearly communicated with so that they understood what was happening.”

To speed up the journey, the convoy broke into two teams. One stayed behind for mechanical repairs while other colleagues moved forward.

However, they were denied safe passage at a military checkpoint, forcing them to drive back 20 kilometers in the dark to re-join the convoy and settle in for the night on the side of the road.

“At this point, where we could no longer proceed to the final destination, we had to make a decision to stop and create a temporary base so that the team could sleep, protected by peacekeepers, before we continued the next day,” says Taban Geoffrey Koma.

Despite the challenges, the peacekeeping team finally made it to their destination where they engaged with communities on a wide range of concerns.

“It was an important opportunity to talk with key stakeholders, including local authorities and community members, about protection concerns. We were able to understand their needs and identify ways that we could work together to address them,” says Lucretia Pascari-Tomoianu, UNMISS Child Protection Officer.

The biggest challenge is a deepening hunger crisis, driven by a cycle of erratic rainfall, periods of intense drought, and flash flooding which is causing extreme crop failure.

These conditions are raising tensions and fueling conflict over access to scarce resources.

Widow, Margret Oto, is among those suffering, although she’s doing her best to be self-sufficient in supporting her four children through a small business.

"What is helping me so much is the vegetable garden that I started,” she explains. “I take the vegetables to the market and sell them. This helps me pay for my children’s school fees and to buy more seeds. Since I started this business, I have seen a lot of improvement in the health of my children as well as our financial situation.”

Despite multiple challenges, the peacekeepers returned home with their mission accomplished. Most importantly, those they serve, even in the most remote locations, now know that they are not alone.

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By Francesca Mold