JONGLEI – As the security and economic situation deteriorates across South Sudan, residents of Duk County in Jonglei are among the many communities experiencing a surge in road ambushes, abductions, cattle raids, and revenge attacks.

While the transitional Government of South Sudan is primarily responsible for providing security, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is helping to build its capacity across the country to tackle this growing challenge. 

As part of this effort, UNMISS’ Protection, Transition and Reintegration Section (PTR) conducted a dedicated training for 30 members of local authorities and security services in Duk County, which has long been a conflict hotspot. The workshop focused on protection of civilians as well as establishing and maintaining robust systems to enable humanitarian actors to safely deliver essential services to vulnerable communities.

“I encourage and urge you to leverage the knowledge gained in this training to enhance civilian protection. This includes establishing an efficient policing system that prioritizes the safety of civilians, particularly children, and integrating displaced people, refugees, and returnees into communities without conflict,” stressed Precious Makwinja, UNMISS PTR Officer. 

UNMISS helps bolster Government efforts to protect civilians as part of its mandate, including providing a protective presence through active patrolling by air, land and river as well as delivering training to build self-reliance.

Local communities also play a critical role in ensuring safe environments, particularly through monitoring and reporting threats to enable rapid responses.

Duk County Commissioner, John Chatiem, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to security. 

“This training was transformative. It has shifted the participants’ perspectives on the immense benefits of peace and security. By fostering a safe environment, we create opportunities for meaningful community engagement. Participants have embraced their individual roles and responsibilities for civilian protection and will actively apply their acquired knowledge and tools in their communities.”