10 March, 2015- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and head of UNMISS Ellen Margrethe Loej, and the U.S. Charge D’Affaires, Charles Twining, visited the Upper Nile State capital Malakal today.

“During this visit to Malakal I am trying to get an impression of the situation in the town and (surrounding areas),” said Ms. Loej, who added that she had met and had fruitful discussions with Acting State Governor Gwinye Philip Chan and ministers of the state.

“I think we have the same goal, (which is) for Malakal to go back to life that existed before the crisis,” said the UNMISS Chief.

Ms. Loej said the mission would continue to cooperate with the state administration in efforts to realize peace.

“As a representative of the Mission and the humanitarian agencies in United Nations, we will be very happy to continue fruitful cooperation with State administration in order to achieve that common goal, (so) that the citizens in Malakal can live in peace and security to carry on their daily duties,“ she said.

A press release issued by the mission noted that the visit featured a walking tour of the devastated center of the Upper Nile state capital, which has changed hands six times since the current conflict in South Sudan erupted in December 2013.

The SRSG said she was “appalled” by the extent of the damage inflicted on the main market and teaching hospital of Malakal.

The release added that during the meeting with the Deputy Governor and state ministers, SRSG Loej and Ambassador Twining discussed reports of continuing recruitment of child soldiers in the state and other issues of concern.

“I expressed my grave concerns about the forcible recruitment of boys recently at the Wau Shilluk village near Malakal and elsewhere in Upper Nile State,” said Ms. Loej. “I stressed the importance of holding accountable all those who engage in this unacceptable practice, and I shared with the Deputy Governor the assurances given by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to me last month that the boys would be rescued.”

The SRSG also addressed the proposed establishment of a forward operating base in Malakal Town manned by UNMISS peacekeepers to promote a more secure and safe environment for internally displaced persons (IDPs) wishing to return to their homes on a voluntary basis, the statement added.

Ms. Loej and Ambassador Twining were briefed on security and humanitarian conditions in the state by UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein, representatives of UN agencies and Brig. Gen. Bayarsaikhan Dashdondog, the Mongolian commander of UNMISS peacekeepers in Sector North which encompasses Upper Nile and Unity states and northern Jonglei state.

The SRSG and the U.S. envoy also visited the UNMISS protection-of-civilians site and met with community leaders of the IDP population.

They were also briefed on the progress of ongoing construction work to expand the area of the existing protection site before the onset of the rainy season later this year.