JONGLEI - During last year’s rainy season, more than 150,000 people were forced to flee their homes as catastrophic flooding submerged entire villages in Jonglei, South Sudan. Many were stranded for months without food, clean water, medical care or means of evacuation.

As the terrible situation unfolded, a taskforce was formed by the Jonglei State Government supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and humanitarian partners, to implement a comprehensive action plan that included constructing dykes, safeguarding the airstrip, prepositioning vital supplies, and preventing conflict over access to scarce resources.

As this year’s rains begin to fall, preparations are underway to try and prevent a similar outcome.  As part of that collective effort, South Korean peacekeepers serving with UNMISS donated a fully equipped speedboat to the government of Jonglei State, which will play a crucial role in enhancing emergency response capabilities as well as riverine security.

The speedboat is seen as a game-changer for local authorities, who have long struggled with limited mobility along the White Nile, particularly when large swathes of the state become inaccessible by road during the annual heavy rains.

“Last year, when the flood occurred here, we realized the government did not have a boat to reach the affected areas,” said the Head of UNMISS’ Field Office in Bor, Geetha Pious, at the handover event. “So, the Korean contingent stepped forward and committed to purchasing this speedboat. It will allow the government to better respond to flood emergencies and address security incidents along the Nile River, where there have been ongoing disputes among rival fishing communities.”

Officials say the government will now be able to conduct more timely evacuations, deliver aid to isolated areas, and mediate conflicts along the riverbanks.

“What we are witnessing here is not just the donation of a boat, but the strengthening of a partnership,” said Kur Ayuen Kou, Secretary General of the Jonglei State Government. This speedboat will go a long way in helping our communities — during floods, in times of insecurity, and when health emergencies strike.”

The donation aligns with UNMISS’s ongoing commitment to support South Sudan in achieving long-term peace and stability through capacity building, infrastructure development, and community resilience initiatives. For the people of Jonglei, this speedboat represents more than just a vessel — it is a lifeline.