UNMISS and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports organized a cross-cultural event dubbed “UNMISS World Flavours” in Juba today.

“UNMISS World Flavours” was celebrated at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba. The event featured various UNMISS sections explaining their work, as well as different military contingents presenting their traditional dances and cuisine.  

A South Sudanese troupe also performed dances from various ethnic groups across South Sudan, while another group served food from the Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria regions.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (Political), Moustapha Soumaré, described the event as a true example of “the ‘unity in diversity’ which the UN stands for”.

“Let us also remember that irrespective of our backgrounds, we are all united in purpose for a peaceful South Sudan,” he said. “This is the very reason we are gathered here today, to show our unwavering support to the people of South Sudan as they pursue lasting peace.”

Reiterating the Mission’s commitment as South Sudan’s “Partner for Peace”, Mr. Soumaré stressed the importance of standing united for peace and security in the country.

“Unity is strength and strong communities and nations are built through respect for humanity, diversity and tolerance,” he said.

UNMISS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam said the event was vital in showing that the UN Military was involved in a lot more than medical and veterinary camps across the country.

“Our primary focus is outreach to communities through patrolling and protection of civilians,” he said, adding that half of the Mission’s troops on the ground are dedicated to protection of civilians sites and the other half to the areas where they are most needed.

“We have been projecting troops through intensified patrols and opening temporary operating bases such as in Mundri and Leer,” said Lt. Gen. Tesfamariam.

The Force Commander also explained the UN military’s role in creating conditions necessary for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including providing protection to assessment patrols, convoys and barges carrying humanitarian supplies.

Noting the role played by different military contingents in improving road conditions, Lt. Gen. Tesfamariam said that better roads are helpful not only to the Mission in carrying out its mandate, but also to the South Sudanese people.

Another role of the UNMISS military is to provide force protection to the teams supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement, including the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, he said.

“We are here, as part of our mandate, to support the government, the Peace Agreement and the people of South Sudan, but the main efforts have to come from South Sudan,” said the Force Commander. 

South Sudan’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Nadia Arop Dudi, commended the organizers of the event and requested that similar events be held in future to increase interaction and mutual understanding.

“It is not easy to bring different people together,” she said. “We must continue to do this in the spirit of unity and peace.”

She added that it is important to help explain the role of UNMISS in general and its military contingents in particular, noting that seeing men and women in uniform could otherwise easily stir fear among the local population. 

“I am happy to note that those here (UNMISS military) are here to protect the people,” said Dr. Arop Dudi.