When Major Wench Syversen joined UNMISS in November 2013, she patrolled to follow up on security issues in counties, but now she focuses on protecting civilians in the UNMISS base.

The Norwegian Military Liaison Officer was in Malakal, Upper Nile State, during four attacks on the town since the end of December, witnessing the influx of internally displaced people (IDPs) who sought refuge on the base.

“It was unbelievable to see a huge number of people, including women, children and the elderly filled with fear walk to the UNMISS camp for their safety,” she said. “I have never seen this kind of situation before.”

Maj. Syversen said she has been helping with IDPs in the camp since the crisis began, besides her normal duties of liaising with military forces and conducting daily patrols to monitor security in Malakal.

With more than 21,000 IDPs in the UNMISS camp, there is much to assist with. Maj Syversen has been helping to distribute anti-diarrohea medicine to children, controlling crowds in the camp and even assisted with a birth.

“Monitoring the security situation is paramount for us, especially during these times,” she said. “To succeed we have to maintain contact with whoever is in control, be it government forces or … opposition, and I actively take part in that.”

Adding that she has also been interacting with IDPs, Maj. Syversen said she passes positive messages of peace to them whenever she has the chance.

“We mostly talk about family and other social issues, but I always use that opportunity to encourage them and pass positive messages, especially on peace”.

“As we are commemorating International Women’s Day, I urge all the women in Upper Nile State and South Sudan in general not to lose hope, remain positive and stay strong for their families and their country,” she said.

“I am amazed with the women here, despite the ongoing crisis and, as difficult as the situation is, they are still strong and have smiles on their faces,” the major said. “This for sure encourages me as a peacekeeper.”

Maj. Syversen, a single mother of one, joined the Norwegian Army in 1991.