Yei Communities Mark End of UNMISS Field Mission

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Greater Yei have formally taken over the former United Nations Mission in South Sudan field office in Yei, marking a significant transition in the management of peace and support activities in the area.

The handover took place on 19 December 2025 and involved the transfer of the UNMISS facility and related assets to the Government of Central Equatoria State.

The ceremony was held at the UNMISS compound in Yei and was attended by commissioners from Greater Yei, county officials, youth representatives, chiefs, women leaders, civil society members and religious leaders.

Representing the Governor of Central Equatoria State, the State Minister for Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo Lado, praised UNMISS for its long standing contribution to peace in the region.

He said “UNMISS has played a critical role in supporting stability and reconciliation in Greater Yei during challenging times.”

He added that the state government would fully cooperate with the relocation process and called for proper management of the handed over assets, saying, “The items should be fairly distributed among government institutions to improve service delivery to our people.”

The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, also expressed appreciation for UNMISS programmes implemented in the county.

“We recognise the support UNMISS has given through vocational training, rule of law assistance and peace building initiatives.”  He added that, “These efforts have focused on community empowerment, justice and stability, and they have made a real difference in Yei.”

Speaking on behalf of UNMISS, the Head of the Field Office in Central Equatoria State, Njoki Kinyanjui, clarified that the closure of the Yei office does not signal an end to the mission’s engagement in the state.

“UNMISS is not ending its work in Central Equatoria,” she said. “We are centralising our staff and activities from the Yei office to the mission headquarters in Juba.”

She explained that the decision to close the Yei field office is part of a wider adjustment across South Sudan. “Due to global financial constraints and the need to scale down operations countrywide, UNMISS has had to reduce its physical presence in some locations,” Kinyanjui said.

Despite the closure, UNMISS assured state and county authorities that support to Yei would continue.

“All our support activities for Yei will now be coordinated from Juba,” Kinyanjui said, adding that the mission remains committed to working with the Central Equatoria State Government on peace building and protection of civilians.

The handover marks a new phase for Yei River County and Greater Yei, with state institutions expected to take on increased responsibility for stability and service delivery.

Key Points from the Handover