Latest news with #UNMISS
Zawya
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
South Sudan: Thousands unite at a peace concert in Malakal, calling for an end to conflict
This year has been harder than usual for communities in South Sudan's Upper Nile state, as soaring conflict has led to deaths, displacement and widespread security issues. But, when the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the state government and UNESCO, decided to leverage the power of music to unite divided communities, by hosting a concert in Malakal, the state capital, the first stirring of hope was evident. Coming from different parts of the town and its outskirts, including from the UN Protection of Civilians site adjacent to the peacekeeping mission's base here, more than 2,500 people walked many miles to reach the venue—Malakal Stadium. The star attraction, of course, was the headline act— Emmanuel Kembe, a renowned South Sudanese musician. His soaring vocals ensured those in attendance were enthralled, enjoying a respite from tensions and rediscovering the power of their shared identity. As the crowd sang along to peace lyrics and danced to thumping percussive beats, Mr Kembe cemented his popularity by articulating the hope shared by many for a successful transition into democracy and development through the holding of the country's long-delayed elections. 'It would be good if elections finally take place in 2026 because our people want to vote, they want peace and development.' Government officials, too, reiterated their commitment to fostering peace in Upper Nile. 'We have a clear plan for every citizen in the state to live freely and thrive in a secure environment. We are working to restore peace,' said Deng Joh Angok, Acting Governor. Local singers and traditional dancers livened up this large-scale gathering as well. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for all Malakal residents to gather in joy and unity,' stated Achol Jock Lul, artist and women's rights activist. 'It is proof that all South Sudanese can live in harmony!' As the music continued, every community member at the concert, swaying to a single rhythm provided a glimpse into the continued potential for sustained peace in this troubled young country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
South Sudan: Medical outreach by peacekeepers from Rwanda benefits 600 displaced persons
'My daughter is three years old. She suffers from body pain. We have taken her to the hospital three times already, but haven't received the right treatment,' says Chamisa John. Chamisa is one of 45,000 displaced persons residing in the United Nations Protection of Civilians (PoC) site adjacent to the UN Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) base. 'When I heard that peacekeepers from Rwanda are running a free medical camp, I immediately brought my daughter here,' she adds. Chamisa is one of 600 people that Rwandan Blue Helmets have helped with various ailments and health issues. 'The site is congested and displaced people, particularly children, get easily exposed to infections. Many of them also suffer from diabetes and hypertension,' explains Captain Jacques Nishimwe, a medical peacekeeper. 'With a reduction in aid funding there is a shortage of healthcare assistance for the displaced community. So, we decided doing such medical camps can help bridge the gap somewhat,' he adds. For conflict-affected communities who have had to flee their homes and are sheltering in the PoC site, this means that they have to undertake a nearly six kilometer walk to medical facilities in Malakal town, something which becomes virtually impossible during the rainy season. But with Blue Helmets from Rwanda running this two-day medical outreach, at least some relief is available for those who need it the most. 'I have had a stomach problem for a long time. It is difficult for me to get treated because I don't have a regular income. But this medical camp by our friends from Rwanda is free of charge. The doctor provided me with the medicines I need and also educated me on aftercare,' says Andrew Nykanig, a PoC site resident. Six medical peacekeepers from Rwanda attended to women, men and children, making sure that while challenges remain, this two-day intervention gives hope to people who need it the most. 'As a peacekeeper, there are times when you have to go beyond the mandate to protect civilians. It's not merely about patrolling and preventing conflict, but its also about building trust with the communities we are here to serve,' concludes Captain Nishimwe. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Improved collaborations to protect civilians theme of dialogue between security partners and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
'As partners in providing security and safety to the civilian population, we have a collective responsibility to work together amicably and build trust,' said Angelo Lodo Daya, security adviser at the state Governor's office. Mr Daya was speaking at an ongoing two-day dialogue for security partners in South Sudan's Central Equatoria state in Juba, which aims at enhancing confidence, trust and operational coordination between national uniformed personnel and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) With rising conflict across Central Equatoria, it was a timely event according to Njoki Rahab Kinyajui, Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission's Field Office in the state. 'In past months, we have seen a distinct increase in violence across Central Equatoria, which has led to civilian displacement and fatalities. There is also a proliferation of mis- and disinformation, which has the potential to fuel more tensions. Therefore, this is an extremely important forum, giving us the space to speak candidly with our national and state-level interlocuters about the challenges we face in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment,' stated Ms. Kinyajui. 'There's no substitute for sitting across a table and having a productive interaction so that we can work with our partners and find pathways to make people's lives and livelihoods more secure,' she added. Ms. Kinyajui is optimistic that discussions over the coming two days will create mutual operational understanding about the tripartite agreement between the SSPDF, UNMISS and the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism—the single window through which the Mission interacts with government entities for enabling and facilitating unhindered movement and deployment of its troops across South Sudan. This platform, therefore, is expected to help ameliorate some of the difficulties that patrolling peacekeepers face on the ground. 'Our patrols are vital to our broader efforts to protect civilians,' explained Ms. Kinyajui. 'However, one of the biggest challenges for us right now in Central Equatoria is limited access. While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Government of South Sudan, as a UN Peacekeeping mission, we need to be able to reach locations across the state where the potential for violence is high. So, a cooperative approach between the mission and security partners at every level is essential,' she added. To foster a deeper understanding of operational guidelines, UNMISS and national and state level security agencies will discuss the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS—a key document which defines the legal status of the UN Peacekeeping mission and outlines the immunities and privileges of UNMISS personnel. Over the course of two days, participants will also deliberate on other core security concerns, including electoral security, confidence building measures for enhanced field cooperation, and the importance of protecting women, girls and children. At the end of the first day, there is already a palpable sense of camaraderie and a shared concern for community security. 'We have always been steady partners with our sisters and brothers in the United Nations. And it is time for us to strengthen that partnership and ensure these discussions provide us with clarity on how, together we can improve security conditions across the state,' concluded Brigadier General Abraham Kuol from SSPDF Headquarters in Bilpam. The forum has brought together more than 100 participants, including senior officers from the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF); National Police and Security Services; as well as senior military peacekeepers from UNMISS. Above all, it creates hope that while some of the candid conversations may be tough, they will lead to greater synergy between UNMISS and South Sudanese uniformed actors. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Sudan: Free medical care by Indian peacekeepers gives hope to over 300 displaced people
As security concerns continue in parts of Upper Nile state, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is making every effort to protect civilians and boost community confidence. As an example—Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission's base in Malakal where some 315 displaced people received free treatment. Patients suffering from various ailments were diagnosed and provided with care options. For Dr. Sandeep Ravi, a medical peacekeeper, such interventions lie at the heart of the UN Peacekeeping mission's mandate to help build lasting peace in this country. 'Accessible and inclusive healthcare is key for communities to thrive. Across Upper Nile state, conflict has disrupted not only people's lives and livelihoods but also reduced the number of available health facilities. So, we decided to come together and, for a limited time, bridge this gap as much as possible,' he explained. 'Bringing quality healthcare directly to communities goes beyond free consultations and treatment. It gives hope to people who are most vulnerable.' Mary Joseph, a 20-year-old patient, can testify to Dr Ravi's opinion. 'I've had a problem with my leg for three months now but had no money to pay for treatment at the local clinics in town. Today, Indian doctors have examined me carefully and given me medications to treat the condition as well as manage my pain. I hope I can restart my small business soon,' she said with a smile. Albino Amum, a community leader residing at the camp who helped peacekeepers mobilize this event, described the activity as timely and significant. 'Earlier, we were receiving healthcare from various international and nongovernmental organizations, but we understand that there is a reduction in funding, which has left a big vacuum. So, this medical drive by our friends at UNMISS came at a very opportune time. We hope they'll consider doing similar activities for us for five or six days in future. It makes a big difference for those who are financially constrained yet need urgent health checks,' stated Mr. Amum. For his part, Dr. Ravi reveals that the biggest satisfaction was the response from community members. 'As medical professionals and peacekeepers, there is no greater reward than the genuine appreciation we have received from the displaced communities we treated. I believe this initiative is a testament to what collective effort and compassion can achieve in strengthening public health.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
'We may be from two countries but are one family': Ethiopian peacekeepers hand over medical supplies in Bor
'It's increasingly difficult for us to provide essential medication to patients, whether in hospitals or smaller clinics,' reveals Dr. Bol Chaw. Dr. Chaw is the medical director at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei, South Sudan. His concerns are shared by many across this country, where people living in remote areas often go without basic healthcare. But Dr Chaw has helping hands in the form of Blue Helmets from Ethiopia serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) who handed over a large shipment of vital supplies to the hospital – broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-malarials, painkillers, drugs to tackle chronic illnesses such as hypertension, and surgical materials. The handover couldn't have been timelier, given the onset of the rainy season in the country which often leads to an uptick in malaria cases among communities. 'Since we patrol consistently among communities, we are aware of the challenges they face, particularly with the ongoing economic crisis and consequent shortage of medical supplies. We felt that we must support them. We may be from two countries but are one family and families share,' explains Lieutenant-Colonel Desalegn Sahile Gulilat, commanding officer of the Ethiopian troops. To build further trust and goodwill, Ethiopian peacekeepers followed the medical outreach by providing some basic first aid training to medical staff. 'These partnerships with our international friends such as UNMISS make a real difference in saving lives,' says Dr. Chaw. Beyond this gesture, the Ethiopian contingent undertakes regular patrols and provides military escorts for aid convoys, ensuring lifesaving humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable across the state. 'There are many ways in which we, as peacekeepers, protect civilians. We are on the ground to be of service,' added Lieutenant-Colonel Gulilat. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
