16 October 2013 - UNMISS had ranked Western Equatoria State a “green state” due to its stability and huge potential in agriculture and other sectors, a senior mission official said today in the state capital Yambio.

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) Raisedon Zenenga was speaking during a one-day visit to the state, where he met government and mission officials to discuss community service delivery.

“This is a very stable state which has achieved quite a lot,” said Mr. Zenenga. “We are here to look into how we can do more together (for) a state that has needs different from others which have insecurity challenges.”

He said mission leaders had agreed during a recent seminar in Juba to identify how stable, green states could be assisted.

The focus in these states would be capacity building for government institutions and organized forces, as well as early warning on security situations, he said.

“I am grateful (that) this state is called Green State in UN terms (because that) means it is peaceful,” said State Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro. “We are trying our best to make peace attractive.”

He said peace in the state resulted from cooperation between his government, UN agencies, organized forces and the local community. The government had prioritized protecting state residents as well as attracting investors, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies.

The governor thanked UNMISS for logistical support, especially air travel, but stressed the need for more training and capacity building to ensure the government was accountable, transparent and able to render good governance.

DSRSG Zenenga urged UNMISS State Coordinator Ataklti Hailu to work with local government partners in paving the way for donors to support the government in developing the state.

During his visit, Mr. Zenenga also met the special African Union force in Yambio, as well as national and international UNMISS staff.