6 November 2012 - Highlighting the importance of relations between soldiers and civilians, UNMISS military met with Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) officers today in Bentiu, Unity State.

"UNMISS has international experience, (while the) SPLA has local knowledge – we need to exchange those," said Brigadier General Malak Ayuen Ajok, SPLA Director for Information, Public Relations, Protocol and Ceremonies from Juba.

Aimed at sharing experiences on forging closer ties with civilians, the meeting brought together six UNMISS military officers, including three from the Juba-based Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) unit, and about 70 area SPLA officers.

"The army is not a humanitarian organization," UNMISS CIMIC Officer Captain Ganchimeg Tsetseg said. "We don't have a budget for humanitarian assistance, but we have open hearts, our hands and our expertise, and this can be put to good use."

Working with civilians is not a new idea for the SPLA in Bentiu. SPLA Major General James Gatluel Gatluak noted that the army had depended on civilian support during South Sudan's long-running civil war.

Now during peacetime, the SPLA operates a military school and hospital, which admit civilians free of charge. SPLA vehicles assist those seeking transport if space is available and work with farmers during planting and harvesting seasons.

Part of joint initiative between UNMISS CIMIC and the SPLA, the Bentiu meeting was the last in a series of eight meetings with SPLA divisions across the country.