UNMISS chief at welcome reception: There is “courage and resilience”, “hope and optimism”

UNMISS chief at welcome reception: There is “courage and resilience”, “hope and optimism”

David Shearer, the UNMISS chief, was in a good and optimistic mood at his welcome reception in Juba today (2 February 2017).

2 Feb 2017

UNMISS chief at welcome reception: There is “courage and resilience”, “hope and optimism”

Filip Andersson

UNMISS chief David Shearer on Thursday attended his welcome reception in Juba amongst government officials, members of the diplomatic community and UN colleagues. In his remarks, he spoke about his “conviction that a brighter future lies ahead of South Sudan”.

Being just shy of two weeks “old” on South Sudanese turf, Mr. Shearer shared his first thoughts with those in attendance at Juba Grand Hotel. Conversations with stakeholders including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Wau, regional legislators in Rumbek, members of the national government in Juba and regional leaders in Addis Ababa have filled the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General with much-needed hope and optimism.

An unnamed state legislator in Rumbek may have left the strongest impression on Mr. Shearer.

“As one of the Assembly members (of Western Lake State Legislative Assembly)” said: ‘The people of South Sudan are one people – it is only politics that divide us. But there is far more that unites us than divides us’”, Shearer quoted his conversation partner before adding:

“I believe this is the kind of spirit we need to nurture and promote to take hold in Rumbek and beyond”.

Comparing the Rumbek politician’s statement with IDPs in Wau urging “the political leadership of the country to silence the guns and to allow peace a chance to finally prevail” and expressing their desire to be “self-reliant, as they have been for generations” instead of depending on external assistance, the UNMISS chief perceived striking similarities.

“I believe the decision-makers in Rumbek and the IDPs in Wau ultimately share – along with the ordinary South Sudanese – the same yearning for peace. And that is what gives me hope for the future of this young country”.

Mr. Shearer recognized that a “monumental joint effort” will be needed to restore trust and peace after the 2013 fighting having “shattered any sentiments of national cohesion”, but that effort will enjoy the full backing of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Pursuing peace in South Sudan, said the UNMISS chief, is at the top of the Secretary-General’s priorities.

David Shearer expects a bumpy but interesting road ahead.

“We understand that there will be struggles along the way – but we are here to help. I look forward to learning from you and working with you”.