![SPLA-IO soldiers ride on the back of a pick up truck through a rebel-held part of South Sudan's Kajo Keji county [Photo by Jason Patinkin/IRIN]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/soldiers_on_back_of_truck.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&quality=89&ssl=1)
Nicolas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Head of UNMISS, made the call during his address at the opening of the 7th Governors’ Forum in Juba on Tuesday.
The UN diplomat expressed concern over the continued proliferation of arms and inter-communal violence that has caused immense suffering among South Sudanese citizens.
“I share the concern of all Governors and Chief Administrators over the continued proliferation of arms,” Haysom stated. “UNMISS supports your calls for a comprehensive national programme of peaceful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
Haysom emphasized the importance of community violence reduction initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth and discourage conflict.
He also called for the full implementation of the recommendations from the 2022 National Livestock Conference on Cattle- and Migration-Related Conflicts.
“Addressing all these challenges requires coordinated intervention from the national and subnational levels,” Haysom asserted. “I want to emphasize the role of Governors and Chief Administrators as a connecting force between the national and the local.”
He commended the Governors for their constructive role in addressing the plight of returnees and refugees from Sudan and Ethiopia, urging increased cooperation on humanitarian and social protection in the northern border areas.
Haysom underscored the critical role of Governors in promoting harmony, unity, and peaceful coexistence through their consistent presence and engagement with local communities.
He emphasized the need for strong partnerships between the national and subnational levels of government, the international community, and civil society to advance South Sudan’s peaceful transition to democratic governance.
“There is now a great sense of urgency to accelerate these conversations so that South Sudan is well positioned for its forthcoming electoral process,” Haysom stressed. “This includes ensuring there is sufficient political and civic space for a process that will ground South Sudanese in a process which is nation-building as opposed to deepening division.”
UNMISS has pledged its continued support to the Governors and the people of South Sudan in their efforts to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity. The mission will continue to work alongside the government and local communities to foster national cohesion and lay the foundation for a brighter future for the country.
