Locals in Ikotos County in Eastern Equatoria are upbeat about new peace prospects in their country following an integrated patrol in the area conducted by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), as part of the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians.

“We are here to see you and tell you what UNMISS is doing, and to also bring you messages of peace,” said UNMISS Torit Civil Affairs Officer, Marko Miljevic.

Highlighting the responsibility of all parties to make the community feel safe, Miljevic reiterated UNMISS’ commitment to peace and reconciliation efforts.

“As the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, we are invited here to try to keep the peace among the people of South Sudan. You have a very beautiful state, and you have very beautiful youth; we are looking forward to establishing permanent peace and stability in your country so you can grow in peace and contribute to the future of the your country,” he noted.

The patrol involved assessing security and transport conditions and how they may affect UNMISS’ operations, in addition to interacting with local authorities and Communities in Isoke and Ikotos town.

UNMISS Torit also organized a number of sports activities between primary and secondary schools in Isoke and in Ikotos town, aimed at enhancing social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Samuel Molito, a pupil from Saint Kizito Primary School in Isoke, emphasized the important role of sports in building peace.

 “We are very happy to have received UNMISS to this match today. Football is a good game, and we are very happy to have met and played with Saint Augustine Secondary School today. We are very happy. Sports activities improve peace in our society and in our country as well. When we are playing together, it means we love one another.”

The UNMISS Torit Head of Field Office donated a total of eight footballs, six volleyballs, and other sporting gear to the schools that participated in the games, attended by more than 1500 people, including students, teachers, government officials and local community members.

Ikotos county Commissioner, Cirilo Akoyo said the visit by UNMISS to his area symbolized peace and stability. He urged the parties to the conflict to keep the guns silent to enable development to take place, and for the benefit of the citizens.

 “I want to thank UNMISS for their visit to Ikotos County. Their coming here makes me happy, and my community will sleep in peace,” an upbeat Akoyo said.

County officials and communities raised concerns about poor telecommunication network, and said lack of water facilities in some districts and villages was forcing women to walk long distances to find water.  There is increased food insecurity too, as crops failed due to unreliable rainfall in 2017.