UN Team Visits Yei to Prepare for 250 Strong Deployment

(YEI) – A United Nations Mission in South Sudan assessment team has arrived in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State to review security, health and logistical conditions before a planned 45-day deployment of more than 250 personnel.

The team travelled from Juba and is also identifying accommodation for the expected UNMISS staff. Atar Bengani, a member of the assessment team, said the work was being carried out in consultation with the Governor of Central Equatoria State.

“We have 45 days to stay in Yei as part of this assessment,” Bengani said, adding that the team was looking for suitable premises.

The Executive Director of Yei River County, Hillary Lokudu Muhammed, welcomed the UNMISS team but advised them to wait for further recommendations from the caretaker Commissioner of Yei River County. The Commissioner was expected to return from Juba before a final decision on accommodation arrangements.

Lokudu briefed the team on the county’s health and security situation. He said Yei had no reported Ebola cases, though authorities had put preparedness measures in place because of the county’s proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola cases have been reported.

The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa reported in June 2026 that South Sudan remains classified as a high-risk country for the importation of Ebola cases due to its proximity to outbreak areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and high traffic with Uganda. The WHO has been working in high-risk locations including Yei to support preparedness measures.

On security, the Executive Director described the situation in Yei as generally calm, while noting isolated incidents involving young people. He said authorities had intervened and arrested some of those involved.

He further told the UNMISS team that the government is preparing for the country’s forthcoming elections and that recent administrative changes were part of ongoing government arrangements.

Lokudu said the county was awaiting the arrival of the caretaker Commissioner, whose official reception and arrival date would be communicated to the public.

The UNMISS assessment is expected to give the mission a clearer understanding of the security, health and logistical conditions in Yei before the team begins its planned 45-day stay.