UNMISS to Close Yei County Base Over Financial Constraints

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Office of the Governor of Central Equatoria State has confirmed two major developments affecting the state: the closure of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan base in Yei, and a public show of support for Governor Emmanuel Adil from the Goduk Clan Association of Lainya County.

The Goduk Clan Association, also known as Lukurubang, met Governor Adil in Juba on Wednesday to congratulate him on his reappointment. The group said his leadership is important for efforts to build peace, unity and development across Central Equatoria. The association said they believe he is well placed to help tackle local challenges such as land grabbing and the presence of roaming cattle keepers in areas including Lukurubang Boma in Lainya Payam.

Governor Adil welcomed the delegation and urged them to act as peace ambassadors in their communities. He said addressing the challenges facing Lainya and neighbouring areas requires cooperation among communities, traditional leaders and state institutions. He also called for stronger community involvement in efforts to build stability across the state.

During the same day, the Office of the Governor confirmed that UNMISS will close its base in Yei as part of adjustments linked to global financial pressures. According to Victor N. Fasama, the Officer in Charge, the mission has been forced to reduce its operations across South Sudan. He said the Yei team will relocate to Juba but will continue to support all counties in Central Equatoria from the capital.

Mr Fasama said UNMISS will hand over several items to the state government before leaving Yei. These items are intended to help support government institutions as UNMISS scales back its field presence.

Governor Adil praised the mission for its role in supporting peace and community protection in the state. He assured UNMISS of full cooperation during its relocation and urged that the items being handed over be shared fairly among state institutions to help strengthen service delivery.

Senior officials attending the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Paulino Lukudu Obede, the State Minister of Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo Lado, and Field Office Analyst Benson Chiweshe.

Both developments come at a time when communities in Central Equatoria are calling for stronger engagement from government and partners to address security and development concerns across the state.