UN peacekeeping chief arrives in South Sudan

JUBA – The United Nations Under-Secretary for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has arrived in South Sudan to give support for the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed by different South Sudan factions in 2018.

Speaking to reporters following arrival at Juba International Airport, Lacroix said “Over the last 18 months, the situation has been rather tough for the country and the people of South Sudan and also for our colleagues here because of the challenges that already existed before COVID-19 but also additional challenges resulting from COVID-19.”

“I think it’s important to come here and express the UN’s commitment to South Sudan and its people and support their efforts but also to express support and gratitude to our UN colleagues,” he added.

South Sudan conflicting parties signed a revitalized version of a 2015 peace agreement in September 2018 leading to the formation of the revitalized transitional government of national unity, but several transitional tasks have remained due to political will and lack of funding.

Following his arrival in Juba, the UN peacekeeping chief met First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, according to his Press Secretary Puok Both Baluang, and discussed the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

“We know the importance of the elections is very crucial because it is the democratic process that allows the citizens of South Sudan to elect whom they see as the right person to lead them during the next few years. We have some challenges, mainly the security arrangements. We need to create a conducive environment for the elections,” Baluang is quoted by UNMISS as saying.

Separately, Lacroix met Vice-President Rebecca Garang and discussed the peace implementation in the country.

“Women are more realistic about issues because they are mothers, they are wives, they are sisters, so they know what a country is, what is a nation. It is a nation without people, the women know about this. Some of the men are concerned about their positions but the women are concerned about the life of people,” said Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior.

“Without women participating in the building of our economy, the economy will be paralyzed, it will be like a bird without one wing. If you see West African women, they are there in the market, but in South Sudan, we have not encouraged our women. Women are very important and even men know that our women are very important,” she added.