JUBA, 29 May 2024 - Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers are working in partnership with the Government and people of South Sudan to help the world’s newest nation to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Their contribution was recognized at official ceremonies in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76^th International Day of UN 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 UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

He paid tribute to the 14 UNMISS peacekeepers 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 wide range of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols and establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitates the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and brings communities together to reconcile and build peace. UNMISS engineers are also building vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometers of roads, maintaining 80 kilometers of dikes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centers, 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.

“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 the Honorable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.  

Under the theme “Building Better Together”, the event promoted the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners. In this regard, UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the country 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 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.