28 March 2014 - Assessing peacekeeping troops in conflict-torn Upper Nile State, UNMISS Force commander Major General, Delali Sakyi completed a two-day visit to Malakal and Melut today.

Maj. Gen Sakyi visited the UNMISS protection area, where over 1,200 internally displaced person (IDPs) are currently living, and the government run-camps Dethoma 1and 2, where about 16,000 IDPS are sheltering.

He urged the displaced at UNMISS to live in peace among themselves. “Nobody is allowed to come to the camp with weapons, and we don’t want any infighting. We know of a case where somebody killed his own brother. We don’t want that to happen here.”

The force commander said his troops were committed to protecting civilians, as stipulated in the UNMISS mandate. “They are here to protect you by patrolling all the time.”

Speaking for the IDPs, Nydak Choul expressed appreciation to UNMISS for providing drinking water and protection, but said they lacked food and other basic needs.

“We have been here since December” Ms. Choul said. “We are lacking essential items. We have no food. We have been saying this for a long time, but there is no response to our call.”