SSPDF and UNMISS Tackle Barriers to Patrols in South Sudan

(Juba) – A two day dialogue between security actors in South Sudan and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has brought renewed focus to civilian protection and coordination in Central Equatoria, where violent incidents continue to disrupt lives.

The meeting held in the capital Juba aimed to build trust and strengthen operational collaboration between UNMISS and South Sudanese uniformed forces, including the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the National Police Service, and the National Security Service.

“We have a shared responsibility to provide safety and security to civilians,” said Angelo Lodo Daya, a security adviser at the Central Equatoria Governor’s Office. “That begins with honest cooperation between partners.”

According to Njoki Kinyajui, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Central Equatoria, the timing of the forum is critical. “In recent months, violence across the state has escalated. Civilians have been displaced and lives lost,” she said. “In addition, misinformation and disinformation are spreading, which risks aggravating tensions further.”

Kinyajui emphasized that open discussions like these are essential. “There is no substitute for direct conversation. This platform allows us to address obstacles and find solutions that improve the safety and security of communities.”

One key area of focus is the tripartite agreement involving the SSPDF, UNMISS, and the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. This arrangement serves as the primary framework through which the UN mission coordinates movement and deployment with government authorities. The hope is that a better shared understanding will reduce the delays and restrictions UN peacekeepers currently face when trying to access volatile areas.

“Patrols are central to our mandate to protect civilians,” Kinyajui explained. “But access remains one of our biggest challenges in Central Equatoria. Although civilian protection is primarily the government’s responsibility, our peacekeepers must be able to reach areas where violence is likely to occur. This requires effective cooperation at every level.”

Discussions during the forum also focused on the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), a key legal document defining the status, rights, and responsibilities of UNMISS personnel operating in South Sudan. This agreement plays a critical role in ensuring peacekeepers are able to carry out their duties effectively.

Throughout the forum, participants are addressing a range of core security concerns, including electoral security, community confidence-building, and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, and children.

Brigadier General Abraham Kuol of the SSPDF Headquarters in Bilpam expressed optimism at the progress made during the first day. “We have always been steady partners with our sisters and brothers in the United Nations,” he said. “It is time for us to strengthen that partnership and ensure these discussions provide us with clarity on how, together, we can improve security conditions across the state.”

The forum has drawn more than 100 participants, including senior representatives from the SSPDF, National Police, National Security Services, and UNMISS military leadership.