Pathways to peace, progress: UNMISS peacekeepers from South Korea complete road linking Pibor to Akobo

unmiss south korea peace roads WFP development protection of civilians pibor bor akobo south sudan

Roads boost trade, increase security and safety for communities and help build inclusive peace. UNMISS peacekeepers from South Korea, therefore, deserve a round of applause for completing a 125-kilometer stretch connecting residents of Greater Pibor to their neighbours in Akobo, South Sudan. Photo by Mach Samuel/UNMISS

10 Apr 2022

Pathways to peace, progress: UNMISS peacekeepers from South Korea complete road linking Pibor to Akobo

Mach Samuel

GREATER JONGLEI - Every road leads to discovery and adventure. But in the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, roads symbolize something much bigger in scale as they are literally the pathways to peace and development.

Nobody understands this more than the country’s partner for peace, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In 2020, the UN Peacekeeping mission teamed up with the World Food Programme to announce an ambitious agenda—the repair and rehabilitation of nearly 3,200 kilometers of roads to make sure communities connect, trade flourishes, humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable and violence is prevented.

Blue Helmets from South Korea have made a significant contribution to this goal in the greater Jonglei region, where the rainy season makes it near impossible for communities and the larger UN family to move freely, by completing a 125-kilometer road connecting Pibor, the capital of Greater Pibor Administrative area, and Akobo county. 

The benefits for communities are manifold, according to John Kangac, the payam [administrative division] administrator of Meereng, located within Akobo county.

“We have suffered from conflict for a long time and this road helps us forge relationships with neighbouring communities, resolve disputes amicably and start building peaceful, thriving trade networks,” stated Mr. Kangac. “It has alleviated much of our worries related to the upcoming rains.”

A most important development ushered in by this new stretch, according to residents of Greater Pibor: Reduced cattle raids.

“Reaching Akobo has been a difficult task for many of us in past years, fraught with danger because of cattle rustling and revenge attacks. But this road gives us the opportunity to travel more securely, increase trade and boost our incomes,” averred Ruach Kainguar, payam administrator of Nyandit, another location within Akobo.

For John Gogol, county commissioner of Likwangulei, lasting peace dividends from this timely intervention by South Korean engineers are immense.

“This road links people living in numerous areas across Greater Pibor, such as Likwangulei, Nyandit and Meereng, to Akobo. Without such networks, we will never be able to leave past scars behind and build our resilience to usher in a new era of development. Thanks to UNMISS, this is now a dream that we can collectively convert into reality,” he stated emphatically.

The South Korean engineering contingent has also conducted various peacebuilding activities across Jonglei.

Since 2013, these dedicated professionals have built 16 kilometers of dykes to prevent floods in Bor; constructed an outpatient department at the Bor State Hospital; and handed over medical equipment and ambulances to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, they have rehabilitated a cumulative 1,900 kilometers of roadways.