Rejoicing abounds as UNMISS celebrates 73rd UN Day across South Sudan

26 Oct 2018

Rejoicing abounds as UNMISS celebrates 73rd UN Day across South Sudan

Filip Andersson

The United Nations Day, the 73rd anniversary of the global organization, was duly and truly commemorated by the peacekeeping mission in various locations in South Sudan. Much rejoicing was an omnipresent mainstay.

Musical and other cultural performances, wrestling, cleaning operations, sports activities, “illumination of homes and empowering of minds” – it all happened as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan came together with other branches of the UN family in a powerful demonstration of togetherness for peace.

The Greater Jonglei region witnessed and enjoyed multipolar festivities, with events taking place in Akobo, Pibor and Bor. In the latter location, the John Garang University was the epicenter of joyous unity, with cultural shows, a volleyball tournament and the distribution of solar-powered lamps all featuring on the agenda.

No midnight oil shall have to be burnt by students cramming for exams at different learning institutions in town, and nighttime encounters between medical staff and patients at Bor Hospital are also likely to gain a helpful glow after the handing out of hundreds of illumination devices by the Indian contingent of UNMISS.

Jonglei governor Philip Aguer commented that a lack of electricity is a common and major challenge faced by keen learners, adding that the lamps will “not only light up their homes but also help them brighten their minds.

There shall be solar-powered light in Akobo and Pibor as well, although it was hardly needed for the volleyball competitions, wrestling tournaments, theatre play and other cultural manifestations taking place in the two towns.

In Kuajok, UN staff and local authorities joined hands for a thorough cleaning of the vegetable market, thus raising awareness of the importance of high sanitary standards in general and in conjunction with foodstuff in particular.

Balls of all sizes were used to great effect in Malakal, where volleyball, basketball and table tennis competitions took place during the build-up to 24 October, the actual UN Day, which in turn saw the hoisting of flags, a parade and a solemn recital of the UN Secretary-General’s special message for the occasion.

Meanwhile in Bentiu, peacekeepers and other UN staff used the day for a gathering in the protection site for the more than 100,000 displaced person staying there. The focus of the activity was to encourage women to get further involved in peace building in their communities.

Aweil adopted a multi-pronged approach to the celebrations of the big day. The town was thoroughly cleaned. Cultural performances abounded, a football match between Aweil City Football Club and an UNMISS team was played and speeches were delivered as everyone stood united for peace, a theme expertly picked up by the Head of the Aweil Field Office, Ataklti Hailu.

“As you know the wind of peace is blowing in East Africa as a whole, and peace has returned also to South Sudan. We hope this will hold. We hope that the people of South Sudan will enjoy peace, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness,” Mr. Hailu said, reiterating that UNMISS will continue to stand firm as a partner to achieve these goals.