UNMISS Brokers Deal on Aid Movement and Patrols in Jonglei

(BOR) – Government authorities, humanitarian organisations and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have agreed on a set of joint actions to improve aid access and civilian protection across Jonglei State.

The commitments were made at the end of a two day workshop held in Bor. The forum was called by UNMISS to examine the Status of Forces Agreement, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.

It brought together representatives from the state government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security institutions, the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, humanitarian organisations and UNMISS peacekeepers.

Participants studied operational challenges and worked to strengthen coordination. They agreed on a series of recommendations and action points, assigning clear responsibilities to improve communication and collaboration among all parties.

Closing the workshop, Jonglei State Deputy Governor Wilson Awuol Gatjang said his administration would work closely with humanitarian partners to advance peace, stability and sustainable development.

“It is essential to keep humanitarian assistance free from political influence and to uphold the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence while respecting South Sudan’s legal framework,” the Deputy Governor said.

He added that coordinating with government institutions and community representatives strengthens the effectiveness of programmes and promotes mutual understanding.

UNMISS Civil Affairs Team Leader Khalif Farah said sustained dialogue between the state government and humanitarian actors is critical to peacebuilding efforts.

“Ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and regular UNMISS patrols is essential to protecting civilians,” Mr Farah said. “We must address challenges such as delays in flight clearances, access authorisations and restrictions encountered along patrol routes.”

He added that where concerns arise, they should be communicated through the designated liaison mechanisms between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS.

The workshop also examined obstacles affecting the movement of people, goods and aid. Acting Commander of Division Eight, Brigadier General Moses Bior Alier, raised concern over the growing number of illegal checkpoints along key transport routes.

“Official checkpoints have been established for legitimate security purposes, but unauthorised groups have exploited the situation by setting up illegal checkpoints for personal gain,” Brigadier General Moses Bior Alier said.

He told participants that posts along the Bor to Juba road and the Bor to Malakal river route disrupt trade, increase transport costs and delay the movement of people and goods.

Participants further addressed reports of humanitarian supplies being sold in local markets. Humanitarian organisations, represented by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, called for a thorough investigation to establish the origin of the items and to ensure accountability.

While participants expressed differing views on several issues, discussions remained constructive and helped clarify institutional mandates, responsibilities and accountability mechanisms.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from government authorities, humanitarian partners and UNMISS to strengthen dialogue, improve coordination and work together to enhance humanitarian response and the protection of civilians across Jonglei.

The meeting in Bor comes just days after a deadly attack on a humanitarian convoy in Duk County, also in Jonglei State, that left 17 people dead.

That attack has drawn strong condemnation from foreign missions and has added urgency to talks on protecting aid workers and civilians in the state.