UNITY— Given continued tensions between Unity State and neighbouring Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has sent Ghanaian peacekeepers to Manga Port to protect civilians, boost public confidence and maintain security.

The decision to deploy peacekeepers comes after cross-border clashes over the past weekend resulted in several deaths, destroyed property, and the displacement of civilians.

The violence is understood to have begun on 22 June when officials from Rubkona in Unity travelled to Aliny in the RAA to retrieve cattle stolen from their communities. During the planned handover of stolen stock, fighting broke out between the groups and an unverified number of people were killed. 

In the aftermath of this incident, violence spread to several other locations and tensions remain high on both sides, fuelled by reports of further mobilization by armed youth and civilian displacement due to fears of retaliatory attacks.

UNMISS's presence at Manga Port is intended to prevent any upsurge and protect the local population from potential reprisal.

Leek Kouwar, a government representative at Manga Port, expressed relief at the arrival of the peacekeepers.

“Our brothers in Blue Helmets are highly welcome. We know that UNMISS is here to protect civilians, and they can stay as long as needed. It is a good decision to be with us during these uncertain times,” he said.

Twenty Ghanaian peacekeepers, acting swiftly, have established a temporary base in austere conditions to maintain stability.

Captain Kwasi Anikawa, leading the initial deployment, noted the current calm but emphasized the importance of their continued presence.

“We are happy to see there is no movement of armed actors in the area at this time.

“However, the people have asked us to stay to protect them from possible revenge attacks, so we will hold our position here, fulfil our duty to protect civilians, and make every effort to work with communities and authorities to restore calm,” he stated.

With a presence established and regular rotations of personnel to the area, peacekeepers will continue to monitor the security situation for as long as necessary.

Additionally, UNMISS has intensified patrols throughout RAA and Unity state to prevent further violence and engagements with state and local authorities continue.

In past days, peacekeeping patrols have been dispatched to the site of the initial outbreak in Aliny; Rot Riak; and Panakuach.