8 October 2013 - The lessons of peace in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal should be learned in border areas all over South Sudan, UNMISS’ top official said today in Gokmachar, Aweil North County.

“This … peace in the state is used for development by all the international partners,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hilde F. Johnson, as she concluded a two-day visit to the state.

In Gokmachar, Miss Johnson met with the county commissioner to discuss cross border migration and UNMISS support to strengthen local government, mainly in the areas of police, corrections, justice and rule of law.

Ms. Johnson said she had also come to assess progress on the UNMISS County Support Base in Gokmachar, adding that the mission would mobilize non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the local community and maintain peace.

On the first day of her visit, Ms. Johnson met with state Governor Paul Malon Awan and his cabinet in the capital Aweil.

Following the meeting, she described Northern Bahr El-Ghazal as one of the most peaceful states in South Sudan, commending state officials for efficiently managing seasonal cross-border migration of the Rizeigat and Misseryia communities from Sudan.

“The migration across the border between Sudan and South Sudan has gone better this year than in several years’ time, and this is a result of strong leadership and capacity,” said Miss Johnson.

State officials said they worked closely with UNMISS in every area of common interest. “We are really connected in our meetings, in our activities and in sharing our areas of concern,” said Governor Awan.

Ms. Johnson also met with state Legislative Assembly members, the UN state team and representatives of civil society as well as international NGOs.