Latest news with #WesternEquatoria
Zawya
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Sudan: Yambio communities call for enhanced accountability through traditional justice mechanisms
'The best way to build peace is when people sit down together to talk, forgive one another and reconcile.' Archbishop Samuel Enosa Peni is a great believer in the power of traditional justice processes to resolve grievances and ensure accountability for wrongdoing. The Chairperson of the Inter-Church Committee in Western Equatoria was among 45 influential faith-based leaders and chiefs from Ezo, Tambura and Nagero counties who gathered for a workshop on the implementation of provisions for traditional justice mechanisms, contained within the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Since 2021, Western Equatoria has been plagued by a surge in violence between armed groups which has cost hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of families from their homes. Mother of seven and prominent women's advocate, Aida Kazima, is among those affected. 'There has been no accountability for the huge harm that we have suffered,' she says. 'Justice is essential for peace. It's also crucial that women can access and actively participate in these mechanisms because, too often, we are excluded.' Nagero resident, Clement Ali Leben, says the workshop will enable him to strengthen understanding about traditional justice processes among others back home. 'I will inform all community leaders about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation for achieving peace,' he says. 'Resolving conflicts needs grassroots engagement so that all parties can voice their concerns and find solutions together.' The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is protecting civilians through proactive peacekeeping patrols across Western Equatoria, particularly in Tambura where it established a temporary base in response to increased violence. The mission is also focused on bringing diverse communities together to build trust and confidence, and to work together to progress the peace agreement at the grassroots level. 'Our role is to support all efforts to promote human rights, justice and accountability, and sustainable peace,' says UNMISS representative, Opubo Goodhead. 'This workshop provided an opportunity for community leaders to come together to discuss locally led solutions.' The event was organized by UNMISS, in collaboration with the Western Equatoria Inter-Church Committee, the United Nations Development Programme, South Sudan Council of Churches, and National Ministry of Peacebuilding. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Sudan: Mosso's last residents want security forces, patrols and help for displaced to return
Once, almost 400 people called Mosso, some 50 kilometers from Tambura, home. Isolation and years of insecurity-induced displacement have reduced the current population to 15 hardy souls. 'Killings and ambushes created fear and made this happen,' says one of them, Rebecca Evariste, a mother of nine. 'The rest have fled,' she adds, mentioning Yambio, Ezo, Nzara and Bagidi as some of their favoured destinations. Reduced numbers further increase the villagers' sense of being cut off, not least from goods and services. To get hold of even the most basic of necessities, they must go to a relatively distant market, at great risk. Their prospects of accessing healthcare are equally bleak. 'Even if you have money, it's just too dangerous to travel to the market, and if you are sick, you have to make do with whatever herbs you can find.' In fact, these difficulties are shared by several communities, representing different ethnic groups, in the greater Tambura area, with many having left their homes for a handful camps for internally displaced persons. While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the national government, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is doing its best to support efforts to keep citizens safe. In a bid to better protect as many civilians as possible from the increase of violence having been observed in this part of Western Equatoria, the peacekeeping mission has increased its patrols. Apart from almost forgotten, disappearing villages like Mosso, Blue Helmets visit all camps for internally displaced persons, regardless of what ethnic group those seeking shelter belong to. Hopefully, residents of these camps take as much comfort in seeing UN vehicles and friendly, impartial peacekeepers as the people of Mosso do. 'We have come to know and enjoy that calm is likely to remain for the next two or three days after the patrols and visits here. During that time, there will be no ambushes on the road,' says Ms. Evariste. Some of the people having been displaced from Mosso make the most of these windows of opportunity and relative security. One of them is William Anthony, who currently stays in Bagidi with his family. 'I came back yesterday to uproot cassava and harvest some farm produce, and because of the timing, I am confident that I will be able to return safely to my family' he says. Among the few remaining residents in Mosso, their course of action will largely depend on developments on the ground. 'Those who fled are suffering and the government should help them return. People are likely to come back if they see security forces being deployed and health workers return. Regular UN patrols, maybe once a week, will also help convince them,' says John Nkumbo, a father of seven whose family is separated from him, currently in Bagidi. The UNMISS patrol team leader, Major Lul Brhane, reassured Mr. Nkumbo, at least when it came to the latter part of his plea. 'We will continue our patrols. We are here because of you, because your safety remains our top priority.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
03-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Peace begins with partnerships as Western Equatorians unite on the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers
As the sun sets on a week-long build-up to the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, hundreds of people gather at Freedom Square in Yambio, Western Equatoria. Some belong to local women's groups, others are civil society activists, and most are community members supporting efforts to empower women and advocate for gender equality and peace. Under the theme, 'Peace Begins with Me', the event kicked off with a friendly female football match between United Nations peacekeepers and local women, including those serving in security forces. The crowd also enjoyed traditional dances, comedy, and other musical performances which encouraged those present to celebrate their diversity while embracing unity. The importance of partnerships between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, local authorities and other stakeholders was also emphasized. 'We have seen the presence of peacekeepers for over 10 years. We worked together, we fought together, to ensure that relative peace comes to Tambura. We stand with you to work for peace,' says Western Equatoria, Acting Governor, James Severino. The participants focused on the importance of de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the conflict-prone area, which has been heavily impacted by military confrontations between forces aligned with the main parties to the peace agreement as well as intercommunal conflict. UNMISS is continuing all efforts to prevent the country from relapsing back into civil war, to preserve and progress the peace agreement, and build sustainable peace so that free, fair, and credible elections can take place. 'We have worked hard together and collaborated in greater Tambura, the eastern counties of the State and here in Yambio to protect civilians and create a safe environment for community dialogue,' said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Emmanuel Dukundane. 'We are committed to continuing to strengthen our partnership to deliver sustainable peace across the State.' Local partners also paid their respects to the peacekeepers serving with UNMISS, who lost their lives while serving the cause of peace in South Sudan over the past year. 'Our brothers and sisters, the peacekeepers, have laid down their lives for the sake of peace,' said Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly Speaker, Wakila Charles. 'Ask yourself, am I in peace in my home? As Members of Parliament, as a leader, we are representing our community. If peace starts with me, that means my home will be peaceful, my community, and the State.' As South Sudan continues to experience political instability and a deteriorating security situation, communities in Western Equatoria remain hopeful that, together, they can lay the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
