CENTRAL EQUATORIA: Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers work in partnership with the Government and communities across South Sudan to help the world newest nation navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

Their contribution was recognized during ceremonies held in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76^th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

“The challenges peacekeepers face are greater than ever. But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

During the ceremony, tribute was paid to the more than two million women and men who have served as UN peacekeepers since the first mission was deployed to the Middle East in 1948. The more than 4300 peacekeepers who have given their lives since that time in the cause of peace across the world were also remembered, including 14 UNMISS personnel who passed away in the last year.

“We take the opportunity to express our deep condolences to their families,” said Mr. Haysom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.”  

UNMISS carries out a vast array of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols, establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive efforts to bring communities together to reconcile and create mutual trust.  

The mission is also improving vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometres of roads, maintaining 80 kilometres of dykes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centres, water points, police stations, courts and other facilities.

Speaking at the event, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs acknowledged the tangible impact of this work on communities across the country.

 “As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavour and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” said  Honourable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.

The theme of this year’s event in South Sudan is “Building Better Together”. It promotes the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners, including the Government and communities, civil society, women, and youth groups, as well as regional organizations such as the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

“While progress is being made in the journey towards peace and stability, there is still much to be done. Fresh momentum must be injected into the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which remains the only route towards enduring peace,” said Mr. Haysom.

“Urgent action is also needed to meet the minimum political and technical preconditions required for peaceful and credible elections so that the people of South Sudan have the opportunity they deserve to choose their leaders and own their own future.”

UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the Government as it prepares for elections.

“The UN supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” said Mr. Haysom. “Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict. This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.”

The Minister of Federal Affairs also addressed the issue of upcoming elections in his remarks.

“As you know, we are preparing for elections. His Excellency, the President, has established a high-level inter-party committee to look into all the necessary conditions in order to usher the people of South Sudan for a free, fair and credible election, and we credit the support that the United Nations always renders in this situation,” said Honorable Losuba Ludoru Wongo.

At the conclusion of the event, the Head of UNMISS thanked the people of South Sudan for their support, resilience, and determination to overcome the many obstacles they face to secure sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who serve with dedication and courage to help secure the better future that South Sudan deserves.