UNMISS raises awareness of role in Wau

21 August 2012 - Aiming to spread awareness of its role in South Sudan, UNMISS held an outreach event today at a university in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal State capital of Wau.

University of Bahr El-Ghazal Academic Secretary Dr. Kuol Pal Deng welcomed the initiative, which was attended by more than 200 students.

"University of Bahr El-Ghazal is a place from where information can be imparted to the people of Wau town and beyond," he said.

Representatives of UNMISS sections highlighted their work in South Sudan during the event, which was organized by the mission's Public Information Office.

Acting UNMISS State Coordinator and Civil Affairs Officer Victor Fasama explained the mission's role in South Sudan (to support peace and assist in building up South Sudanese capacity), including its protection of civilians mandate.

Mr. Fasama also noted that two other peacekeeping missions – Abyei's UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and Darfur's African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) – represented the UN in those particular areas.

The event was enthusiastically received by students. "The programme is very good," said student John Garang. "We need more of such interactions."

Another student, James Mabior, said, "I ... would like to welcome UNMISS to continue, as it will help our studies."

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