UNMISS announces extension of Peacekeeping presence to communities in need across the country
Channel: UNMISS VIDEOS
Date: 2018-01-26

The people of Akobo are welcoming news that United Nations troops are being deployed to the area to provide a new “light” peacekeeping presence.

The town is deep in Opposition-held territory in the remote northeast of South Sudan, a country that has been torn apart by violence since civil war erupted in 2013. The community and local authorities asked the UN to send in peacekeepers to provide protection and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and it has responded.

At a press conference in the capital, Juba, the Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan also announced the official opening of a new permanent peacekeeping base in Yei will take place tomorrow. It will help create a more secure environment so that people who fled the area during the conflict feel safe enough to return. 
 
The extension of protection to communities across the country, including Yei, has been assisted by the arrival of the first 730 members of the Regional Protection Force, mandated by the UN Security Council.  

Their efforts, along with those of existing UNMISS troops, comes as the leaders of South Sudanese armed groups gather in Addis Ababa for the continuation of peace talks at the High Level Revitalization Forum. 

CTSAMM is the agency responsible for monitoring, verifying and reporting any breaches of the Agreement. UNMISS supports its work by helping it access locations around the country. 

This work along with extending its peacekeeping presence and supporting the peace process more generally will continue to be UNMISS’ core focus over the coming months.