4 December 2012 - Seeking to increase awareness of UNMISS' role following recent bombings in the border area, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State Coordinator Seth Kumi briefed journalists in Aweil today.

Mr. Kumi said pressure had been exerted on UNMISS to send teams with state authorities to verify facts on the ground following reports of aerial bombardments in the state's border area of Kiir Adem in Aweil North county in November.

"The approved UNMISS operational map places Kiir Adem outside the mission's area of operations," he said. "The existing UN rules therefore do not allow UNMISS military or civilian personnel to conduct patrols ... or carry out any other activities in the area."

"The decisions on these matters (are) not taken by the UNMISS state office... or the UNMISS in Juba... but were predetermined at UN Headquarters...," Mr. Kumi added.

Authorities in Aweil North County reported that the aerial bombardments had left seven people dead and eight others injured.

At a press briefing in July this year, after the Security Council extended the UNMISS mandate through to 15 July 2013, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson said it was imperative to ensure that everyone was informed about the mandate and role of UNMISS.

"It is clear that that a lot of misunderstandings have been prevailing, despite the efforts that we have made," she said.