(YAMBIO, SOUTH SUDAN) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has led the construction of a police post in Gangura, Yambio, aimed at improving protection and fostering dignified conditions for detainees.
The mission said it acted after following up on reports and its own observations of a deteriorating physical security infrastructure in Yambio, in Western Equatoria State.
“When a woman, a man, or a juvenile was arrested, there was no separate cell for them. There was also no proper office space for the police. Today, we have a new police station and detention cells where people can be held according to their gender and status,” said Mary Ezekiel, a mother of four.
According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the new facility is intended to improve protection for civilians and ensure that detainees are held in dignified conditions.
In a separate engagement, the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Anita Kiki Gbeho, met with South Sudan’s caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cecilia Adeng.
During the meeting, Gbeho highlighted the need to strengthen coordination between the government and the peacekeeping mission. She also stressed the importance of ensuring inclusive dialogue as part of election preparations.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan reported that peacekeepers from Bangladesh led an integrated long-distance patrol, travelling 570 kilometres across rough terrain over seven days, to reach displaced communities in conflict-affected Matar and Athien Pol in Tonj North, Warrap State.
The team listened to concerns on the ground and engaged with government and law enforcement officials to build a bridge between civilians and decision makers.
The mission said that by reaching remote communities like these, the patrols help to deter further violence, strengthen protection and create space for dialogue and peace.
At a seminar dedicated to developing best practices and facilitating dialogue, Gbeho joined 25 South Sudanese women leaders from the political, civil society, academic, business and youth sectors to identify ways to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in peace processes.
The women agreed to advocate for the 35% quota for women in political and governance processes to be extended beyond existing parties to other aspiring women.
They also agreed to advocate for new gender equality legislation and a Gender Equality Commission, as well as mentoring systems for young women leaders.
The women were also inspired by presentations from two international experts in women’s political leadership across Africa.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan also reported that an air patrol to remote Buoytong in Unity State reaffirmed the power of a protective presence.
The integrated patrol, led by peacekeepers from Ghana, included civilian staff who engaged with community members to assess protection concerns in close collaboration with local authorities and security services.
In Maban County, Upper Nile State, a Peace Talks initiative focused on preventing and responding to climate shocks. Together, United Nations Mission in South Sudan peacekeepers and community members explored specific threats and practical solutions.
“The dialogue was particularly useful with famines caused by a prolonged lack of rain affecting our communities more than ever this year. Not only did we learn about environmental and climate-related disasters, but we also received guidance on how to establish early warnings and respond effectively to emergencies,” said Juma Lagu Yuye, a Maban County Paramount Chief.
According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the initiatives form part of the mission’s broader efforts to protect civilians and support peace across South Sudan.
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