21 March 2014 - Against a backdrop of recent anti-UNMISS sentiment, a top mission official in Kuajok, Warrap, briefed the public today to reverse misconceptions and renew previously good working relations in the state.

Addressing some 200 people, including government officials, religious leaders, civil society, women, youths and media, State Coordinator Abraham Onifade stressed that UNMISS was impartial in carrying out its mandate.

UNMISS did not take sides in the current conflict, but protected all civilians’ rights regardless ethnicity, and respected the South Sudanese government, he said.

Highlighting its new priorities, Mr Onifade said the mission would be focusing on protection of civilians, humanitarian access, human rights violations, facilitating inter-communal and national dialogue and supporting the mediation and ceasefire led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Developement.

“The Government of South Sudan has the primary responsibility to protect civilians,” Mr. Onifade said. “UNMISS only plays a supportive role and is subordinate to the government.”

Mayein Mayein, principal of Kuajok Secondary School, accused UNMISS of supporting opposition forces by secretly transporting arms to Unity State.

Mr. Onifade said the incident was a mistake with no hidden intention and was currently being investigated by a UN team from New York as well as the government.

Another question focused on UNMISS wishing to run a parallel government in the country.

“UNMISS came on the invitation of the government of South Sudan and … is not mandated by the Security Council to run the government,” Mr. Onifade said. “There is a legitimately elected government; hence, no need for a parallel government.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Luka Lual Madhang said UNMISS and international media had exacerbated the conflict by wrongly pointing to the inter-ethnic dimension as its root cause. But he also urged the mission to continue cooperating with the government in bringing development.

Adior Kuol Amoum, Gender Advisor to the Governor, said, “The Government has had a very bad perception about UNMISS since December 15, but there is still room for improvement.”

Peace Advisor Adelino Rip Goch, who chaired the event on behalf of the governor, called on UNMISS and the government “to continue dialogue in addressing the current mistrust, considering that the people of South Sudan, the UN, and United States, United Kingdom and Norway have had a long history of cooperation.”

“Together we must open dialogue, correct mistakes and open a new page, so that we can succeed through cooperation and collaboration as partners,” Mr. Goch said.