I extend warm greetings to you all on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. This is an occasion that honours the spirit of compassion, equality and generosity – universal values that extend across all cultures and bind us together in our shared humanity.

As peacekeepers, we have all made our own personal sacrifices to serve the common goal of peace in South Sudan. These past few months have challenged us all in so many ways, whether uniformed personnel or civilian, national or international. We have all been touched by the violence that occurred in July, and as we know, some of us paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our South Sudanese colleagues been particularly affected by recent events, and we stand in solidarity with them today as brothers and sisters joined through our common dedication to fostering peace in South Sudan. Let us use this solemn day to remember those colleagues that we have lost in the name of peace, and the sacrifices they and their families have made.

Let us also reiterate our commitment to peace and collectively wish for all South Sudanese to be bound together by the universal values of unity, equality, compassion.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment.

Eid Mubarak!

Ellen Margrethe Loej
SRSG