11 August 2015 - South Sudan needed peace sooner rather than later if the young nation was to address development and other pressing challenges, UNMISS’ top official in the country said today in Warrap State.

Speaking to the press in the capital Kuajok, UNMISS chief and Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj said the country urgently needed a peace agreement.

“With a peace agreement, focus and concerted efforts will be placed on resolving inter-communal conflicts, food insecurity and developmental issues in Warrap State,” the SRSG said.

Accompanied by Warrap State Governor Nyandeng Malek Dielec, Ms. Løj pledged the mission’s support for the state’s government and people as well as the nation.

“The mission is actively involved in conflict mitigation and community support,” she noted. “I encourage people across the state to refrain from violence and to foster community dialogue and resolution of conflicts in peaceful ways.”

Governor Nyandeng said much was yet to be achieved in the state, including resolution of inter-communal clashes between the people of Apuk and Agouk of Greater Gogrial.

An earlier meeting with SRSG Løj had been fruitful, the governor said. “We had a very good meeting which highlighted every area of concern including insecurity. We also talked about the food security gap and ongoing IGAD (Inter-governmental Authority on Development) mediation (towards a peace agreement).”

“It is good … that the head of the mission is here to see how we are coordinating with her office in Warrap State,” Ms. Nyandeng added. “Our relationship is very good in terms of doing thing together.”

The Kenyan Battalion performed a special Guard of Honour for SRSG Løj, who also met with UNMISS senior management and representatives of the Warrap UN Country Team.