21 May 2013- Guns and their use during cattle raids were a key concern in Warrap State, Governor Nyangdeng Malek told UNMISS officials in the capital Kuajok today.

"Guns are giving us major problems," Ms. Malek said. "Cattle raiders are using guns during raids, causing the deaths of many civilians."

Speaking with Deputy Special Representative to the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Raisedon Zenenga and other senior officials, the governor called on UNMISS to support the state with civilian disarmament.

She also asked the mission to assist with training of auxiliary police to patrol areas vulnerable to cattle raiding and in gaining access to remote areas, particularly during the rainy season when roads are impassable.

Mr. Zenenga said UNMISS would support the state in mitigating conflict and protecting civilians. "UNMISS through the UNPOL police advisors will continue to pursue professional development of the state police service, train and mentor police officers to provide a better service to the civilian population."

The DSRSG added that training alone was insufficient for an effective police service, but should be complimented by infrastructure and suitable working conditions.

The meeting also focused on efforts by the Warrap government to quell violence by setting up special courts to arbitrate cattle raiding cases as well as its continued presence in affected areas to discourage revenge attacks.

Warrap State has been plagued by cattle raiding, particularly in the southern part of the state bordering Unity and Lakes States. UNMISS statistics indicate that 152 people in the state have lost their lives in cattle raids since December 2012.