29 May 2014 - International Day of UN Peacekeepers was celebrated across South Sudanese states with readings of the Secretary General’s message, traditional dances, drama and sporting events.

In Malakal, Upper Nile State, UNMISS held a dialogue between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and peacekeepers in the protection of civilians (PoC) site on the latter’s role in South Sudan.

“Peace is a gift and we should be serious in preserving it as nation,” PoC Chairperson for Peace and Security Mathew Chol told participants.

Other activities included a football game between uniformed personnel, a sketch by youth and traditional dancing by IDPs. The day concluded with a screening of documentaries on peacekeeping roles in Juba in Central Equatoria, Bor, Jonglei and Malakal in Upper Nile.

At an event in Bentiu, Unity State, Mangolian Commander Col. Erdnebat Batsuuri said political leaders must work hard for peace in South Sudan so that people can go back to their homes

“We are saving people’s lives here but I wish, I hope and I believe one day this country will have peace. Your country is a beautiful country and also there are a lot of resources,” Col. Batsuuri said.

UNMISS Unity State Coordinator Mary Cummins noted that the Day was for UN peacekeepers who had lost their lives in the cause of peace.

“Today is when we pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations all around the world and here in South Sudan for their level of professionalism, dedication and courage,” she said.

In Kuajok, Warrap State, Deputy Governor Akec Tong Aleu pledged his government’s unwavering support to ensure UNMISS’ work was unhindered.

“Since your arrival in the state, there has been no case or incident recorded between UNMISS staff and state administration,” Mr. Aleu said. “This will continue until your mission is over.”

State Coordinator Abraham Onifade applauded peacekeepers for their efforts to promote peace in the South Sudan. “We as staff of UNMISS have a significant role to ensure peace for the new nation.”

Activities to mark the Day in Kuajok began on 28 May with a first aid training and competition between two secondary schools in Torit. The schools also staged skits featuring peace messages and UNMISS efforts in South Sudan.

In Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, Deputy Governor Gerome Gama Surur told a gathering of more than 200 UNMISS staff that the Day was "for all of us because the peacekeepers are here for us and they are a part and parcel of our community".

State Coordinator Hiroko Mosko said, "We are proud that in EES we have been able to work with the government to maintain peace and avert any situation that may cause loss of lives or injury.”

Speaking in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, Acting Governor Sapana Abuyi said the government would continue to support and work with UNMISS, urging the mission to do more as to bring total peace to South Sudan.

Peace had become a challenge for the government after five months of conflict which had claimed thousands lives and displaced over a million people from their homes, Mr. Abuyi said.

The occasion also included songs from local students about peacekeepers bringing peace to South Sudan and the world. A football match was scheduled for the evening, when thousands of sports lovers would converge on Freedom Square to watch a match between UNMISS/non-governmental organizations and government officials.