21 February 2013 - Seeking to boost the skills of local journalists in Jonglei State, UN Radio Miraya concluded a two-day training for reporters from a station in the capital Bor.

“The training is very important to empower journalists in the field, so they do a better job and have better knowledge and skills,” said Radio Jonglei Director Malek Gutnyin Gerwar.

Attended by eight Radio Jonglei journalists, the activity focused on writing and presenting for radio, sources of information and basic interview techniques.

“The … training has taught me as a presenter to present correctly and … basic skills on interview techniques,” said participating journalist Ochala Bin Odol.

Radio Jonglei is a joint venture between the Jonglei State government and Sudan Christian Ministries, a local church group. It was launched in April 2010 to foster unity among the state’s six tribes by broadcasting peace, reconciliation and development messages in local languages.

Launched in June 2006, Radio Miraya broadcasts 24 hours, seven days a week. It is operated by UNMISS in partnership with Fondation Hirondelle, a Swiss non-governmental organization

21 February 2013 - In an effort to keep inter-communal peace, Bul Nuer and Misseriya leaders said today in Unity State’s Mayom County that both communities would return cattle raided by the other to break the cycle of cattle raids.

Following several cattle raids and counter attacks since the beginning of this year, Mayom County Commissioner John Bol Mayak spearheaded a campaign for cattle to be returned to their original communities.

Every year, Misseriya nomads migrate to Mayom to graze their cattle, where cattle raids occur between the nomads and host Bul Nuer community. On 6 February, the Misseriya raided 773 cattle from the Nuer and, on 16 February, the Nuer raided about 400 cattle from the Misseriya.

UNMISS has assisted with meetings between the nomads and government authorities, which resulted in an agreement later in February that the Misseriya would return cattle raided from the Nuer. Commissioner Mayak also directed South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) in the county to collect cattle taken by the Nuer.

In addition, government authorities have announced that cattle raiding will be recognized as a crime and those apprehended face criminal charges.

Juba, 22 February 2013: The Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, Ms. Hilde F. Johnson, is deeply concerned about recent developments in Jonglei. “Unless community leaders and government authorities take decisive action to stop the violence, stability in the whole of Jonglei state will be at stake,” she said, following a two-day visit to the areas hardest hit by recent instability and cattle raiding.

“These reoccurring spates of violence are extremely serious and can jeopardize everything that has been achieved so far for peace and reconciliation in Jonglei. I am very worried, and strongly urge immediate action to be taken by government and community leaders to ensure stability. The cycle of violence must stop,” said Johnson.

During her visit earlier this week to Walgak, in Akobo County, she met with local authorities, chiefs, community leaders and survivors of the most recent serious attack of 8 February in Wangar, and expressed her condolences to the families of the many civilians who lost their lives. The majority of the victims were women and children. She called for restraint and urged communities to refrain from retaliation. If not heeded, the cycle of violence would continue and everyone would lose, their own community included, she said.

The Special Representative also reiterated the condemnation by the United Nations of the deadly attack in Wangar. UNMISS is now conducting an investigation into the incident. A human rights investigation team walked for two days to reach the site, and have now compiled forensic evidence from the attack. Interviews are being conducted with survivors, both civilians and military. The report will be made public when completed.

Ms. Johnson also visited Pibor where she met with chiefs, community leaders, the Murle peace delegation and local authorities. She called for renewed efforts to protect all civilians while containing the threat from David Yau Yau. She called on him and armed youth aligned with him to halt all attacks. Ms. Johnson also expressed her condolences to the community of Pibor for the suffering caused by the violence on 27 January, where many tukkuls were burnt, livelihoods lost and people killed.

Ms. Johnson was accompanied by UNMISS Force Commander Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi, as well as the Directors of Civil Affairs and Human Rights, who met with the Governor of Jonglei State Kuol Manyang Juuk and other local government representatives in Bor, Walgak and Pibor.

For further information or media enquiries please contact:
Chief of Communications and Public Information Office – Liam McDowall, McDowall@un.org, +211912150847

26 February 2013 – Assessing peace and stability that had been achieved in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (PDSRSG) visited the border state today.

“I came to meet for the first time with His Excellency the governor in order to understand the situation,” said PDSRSG Raisedon Zenenga, after meeting State Governor Lt. Gen. Paul Malong Awan in the state capital Aweil.

“I have always been impressed that, compared to other states and regions in the country, this is a very stable state and I wanted to understand how that has been achieved here, the progress made and the challenges,” he said.

“We visit each other from time to time so that we share where we are and how we can go ahead from here,” said Lt. Gen. Awan. “It (would) be meaningless if we didn’t share… know the difficulties and how we can manage them.”

Mr. Zenenga, who was accompanied by UNMISS Political Affairs Director Hiruy Amanuel and Civil Affairs Director Ali Hassan, also met with State Legislative Assembly Speaker Achol William Amuoi.

26 February 2013- Demonstrating the commitment of UN Police (UNPOL) to peace building efforts in Jonglei State, UN Police Commissioner Fred Yiga traveled to the state capital Bor today.

The UNPOL chief met with the Inspector General of South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), General Pieng Deng Kuol, and Jonglei Acting Police Commissioner Brig. Gei Manyang.

Introducing the Jonglei UNPOL team to the SSNPS leadership, Mr. Yiga said they would train the state’s auxiliary police in Protection of Civilians.

He outlined the UN force’s achievements in the state, including the establishment of a Livestock Patrol Unit, which he said would be vital in ending cattle rustling.

Rampant cattle raids in the state have contributed to violence and loss of lives. The latest attack in Akobo County left dozens of civilians dead and several children abducted.

“The recent unfortunate developments in the state are not only a cause for concern to the government but are painting a very bad picture of the whole of South Sudan to the outside world,” said Gen. Kuol. “There is an urgent need to address them.”

Inspector General Kuol pointed to the state’s many challenges, stressing that tackling them meant adequate training of both police and army in respecting human rights.

“I want to promise that we will not frustrate your countries’ efforts to send you here,” Gen. Kuol told the UNPOL team. “We want our police to uphold the constitution with its mandate to prevent crime, investigate crime and protect people and property.”

He added that the SSNPS was also committed to women’s empowerment, emphasizing that the people of South Sudan must appreciate the role of women in peace building and reconciliation.

4 March 2013 - South Sudan must strive to attain peace that fosters long-term development and economic growth, a Jonglei Peace Commission official said in Bor today.

“Peace is the key to life. When there is peace, there is development, and education and all (other) resources can be utilized for future benefit,” said Joseph Maker Kur, the Commission’s Peace Desk Officer for Bor County.

Mr. Kur was speaking at the closing ceremony of a one-day outreach event organized by UNMISS in the county’s Jalle Payam (district) in a bid to increase awareness of the UNMISS role and mandate among communities in Jonglei State.

Some 100 participants attended the meeting, which was the fifth in a series of outreach events UNMISS has organized over the last eight months.

Organizers explained the UNMISS’ role in protection of civilians and peace consolidation. They also discussed how UNMISS was fostering long-term state building throughout the country, with particular reference to activities in Jonglei.

Another topic covered was the role of community leaders in promoting peaceful co-existence among all groups in the state.

Rabaka Diing Chol, a participant, said it is sad to witness long-term conflict and instability among communities. He urged citizens to stop attacking each other and work for peace.

6 March 2013 - Over 2,500 civilians sought refuge today at around 11.30 am at the UNMISS base following an exchange of fire between an armed group and the SPLA near Pibor market.

In reaction, UNMISS deployed immediately its peacekeepers to help protect the civilians in the area. Currently, the situation is calm and the majority of civilians have returned to their homes. Within its capacity, UNMISS will continue to do its utmost to protect the civilians in the area.

8 March 2013 - Singing and dancing in praise of women’s roles in society, thousands of South Sudanese gathered across the country today, rallying a common cry for greater empowerment.

At national celebrations held in the Jonglei State capital Bor, South Sudan Minister of Social welfare and Gender Agnes Lasuba Kwaje noted that 72 per cent of girls aged 15 years were illiterate.

“This is a big challenge,” she said. “… We need to stop child marriage and forced marriage, and give (girls their) right to education.”

Jonglei Governor Kual Manyang Juuk said it was unacceptable for any man to beat or abuse his wife or sister.

Presidential Advisor on Gender and Human Rights Rebecca Nyanding de Mabior represented President Salva Kiir at the celebrations.

Reading a message from the president, Ms. Mabior revealed that the South Sudanese government had decided to raise women’s representation from 25% to 35% at both state and national levels.

In the Warrap State capital Kuajok, Deputy Governor Akech Tong said his state was unique because it had a woman governor. “Education is the first step towards women’s empowerment.”

Addressing some 4,000 people who thronged Freedom Square, Mr. Tong called on citizens to send all their children to school to create a “better place for women”.

Following the main event, UNMISS staff visited Kuajok Central Prison and launched a literacy class for inmates. They also distributed soap and footwear to women in the prison.

UNMISS State Coordinator Abraham Onifade said the classes would equip women with skills to help them reintegrate into society after their release.

In neighbouring Lakes State, celebrations at the Bishop Mozzolari Foundation Compound in Rumbek were held under the theme, “Empower a Woman for a Better Nation”.

Women’s representatives from the state’s eight counties called on the government to prioritize women’s empowerment in education, capacity building and employment, and to ensure their inclusion in decision making.

Daniel Chol Koknyin, caretaker minister of the Ministry of Social Development, called on women to begin empowering themselves by acquiring skills and taking adult literacy classes.

“We need to organize ourselves … from parliament level to the grassroots to make sure that our rights are not exploited,” said Deputy Chairperson of the Gender Committee in the State Assembly Priscilla Ayor Paul.

Western Bahr El-Ghazal State Minister of Gender Affairs Viola Philip, while addressing the crowd attending a commemoration in the state capital Wau, said that “full empowerment of women is not possible without addressing the discrimination (they) faced”.

“All should be done to (combat) violence against women in society,” said UNMISS State Coordinator Winnie Babihuga.

Celebrations in Unity State kicked off on 7 March when UNMISS Human Rights section hosted over 50 women, including state ministers, advisors and parliamentarians, to discuss challenges they face.

During celebrations today, women presented a petition to Deputy State Governor Michael Chieng Geay. The petition called on national and state governments to “enact laws that will prevent and stop all forms of violence against women in South Sudan, including early marriage”.

“All your rights will be included in our permanent constitution…” said Mr. Geay. “Your contribution made our independence possible. We (could not have done) this without you.”

In Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, Acting Governor Madut Dut Yel pledged that the state government would work to increase the number of women in future leadership, urging women and girls to educate themselves to prepare for this.

UNMISS Gender Unit in the state also hosted a round table discussion. Participants, who included government officials as well as members of the State Legislative Assembly and civil society organizations, discussed the UN theme for the day, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”.

Upper Nile State’s celebrations were jointly organized by the State Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, UNMISS Human Rights Unit and the American Refugee Council.

Representing Governor Simon Kun Pouch, Cabinet Affairs Minister Yiey Pouch Lur said that both men and women had equal rights.

“We declare that we will prosecute crimes against women. We will never allow women to be subjected to abuses,” said UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Welmoet Wels, who read the UN Secretary-General’s message.

8 March 2013 - To strengthen the justice and legal systems in Jonglei, UNMISS completed a five-day training for state law enforcement officials today in the capital Bor.

Under the theme “Facilitating an end to Prolonged and Arbitrary Detentions in Jonglei”, the session aimed to create awareness among participants and serve as a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas.

The training was attended by 60 Lawyers, prosecutors, police, fire brigade and prison officers.

Topics included impact of prolonged and arbitrary detention on access to justice, police power and role in criminal justice, women in justice system administration, human rights and police service, child abduction in Jonglei state and UNMISS’ protection of civilians role.

Briefing participants on UNMISS' role, a mission staff member said it advised and assisted the government with its primary responsibility to protect civilians.

The mission could intervene to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, especially if South Sudanese security forces failed to provide such security, the staff member said.

He also said UNMISS was helping the government protect civilians through an early warning system of imminent conflicts, reporting human right abuses and deterring attacks.

The session was the first of its kind conducted by UNNMISS’ Judicial Advisory Section following a request for capacity building from state law enforcement institutions.

In closing remarks, Daniel Deng, head of Legal Administration in Jonglei said the training would contribute significantly to promoting justice in the state.

Participant Rachael Amuor, Legal Administrative Officer from Jonglei Legal Administration, said she had gained much from the training. “I learned many things on the issue of human rights vis-a-vis prolonged and arbitrary detention and it will help me to perform my duty efficiently in the future.”

12 March 2013 - UNMISS was committed to promoting peace and co-existence among all South Sudanese people without favouring any community over another, mission representatives told residents of Jonglei State’s Twic East County today.

Speaking at an outreach event organized by UNMISS in Panyagor payam (district) to increase awareness of the mission’s role, participants had raised concerns about perceived UNMISS biases during inter-communal conflicts in the state.

Mission representatives explained that the peacekeeping mission was neutral. It had been invited to the country by the government to assist in consolidating peace and promoting development.

Some 74 participants, including traditional chiefs, local government officials, youth, women and religious leaders, attended the event. They outlined other security concerns like cattle raids, abduction of women and children and the militia group led by David Yau Yau.

The event’s organizers stressed that the primary responsibility for protection of civilians lay with the South Sudanese government. But they added that UNMISS would intervene directly if the government was not providing security.

The outreach event was the sixth in a series UNMISS has organized over the last eight months to create awareness at the grass-roots level about the mission’s role.

12 March 2013 - To sensitize chiefs and members of the judicial system on arbitrary detention as well as formal and traditional justice, a three-day workshop opened today in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal capital Wau.

Organized by UNMISS in collaboration with the state judiciary and high court, the activity brought chiefs from Wau, Jur and Raja counties.

State Deputy Governor Yel Morris Akol Tit said the workshop was vital for chiefs in carrying out the law. “The workshop will build your capacity so that you can do your job effectively and positively.”

Viktor Josev, of UNMISS Justice Advisory Section in Wau, noted that arbitrary detention could occur when arresting person had no mandate to do so. “The workshop … will look at whether the chiefs can arrest a person or not, or sentence a person to prison.”

Participants will review chiefs’ experiences and propose a way forward. It will also focus on criminal justice, South Sudan’s judiciary, the hierarchy of statutory and traditional customary courts, criminal procedure and the legal framework for detaining accused persons.

14 March 2013 - In assisting the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, UNMISS concluded a two-day training on child protection for the force today in Yei, Central Equatoria State.

The activity, which drew about 60 soldiers, was part of the mission’s efforts to help the SPLA meet a 31 March deadline to end the practice it signed with the UN a year ago, said UNMISS Child Protection Officer Jane Juan.

South Sudan would be delisted from countries with children among its military ranks if the SPLA met the deadline, but sanctions would follow should the timeline be exceeded, she said.

Training topics included child rights provisions in planning military orders, punitive measures for law breakers, understanding rules of conflict within army controls and establishing monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

“We know that children are our future,” SAID UNMISS Central Equatoria State Coordinator Mamane Moussa. “The place of children should be in the school, not in the street, or in the army so that they can be prepared…to build this nation.”

Participant and army corporal Mary Achiro said she had learned what defined a child at the training. “I have learned that any person who is 17 years and below is a child and should not be in the army.”

Colonel John Bida, acting brigade commander at Mahad SPLA barrack, said the training would help his army understand their duties and better protect civilians.

He requested a separate workshop for senior officers to equip them with necessary tools to better control their forces during war, for they were often accountable when the military committed crimes against civilians.

“During the revolution,” Mr. Bida said, “we took everybody as an enemy because we did not know.” “But now, we know what and where our limits of operation are.”

15 March 2013 - In the wake of recent conflict in Jonglei, a senior state official urged an Uror County Lou Nuer community today to live peacefully with its neighbours and refrain from fighting.

State Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentarian Affairs Gabriel Gai was speaking at Pathai Payam to a delegation led by Uror County Commissioner Simon Hoth.

Commissioner Hoth noted that two cattle raids had occurred recently, some of the animals had been recovered and that one of the pursuers had been wounded. But he added that the situation was now calm.

“Despite all these incidences of cattle raiding, I would like to tell our communities not to panic … we are still investigating the matter,” Mr. Hoth said.

Responding to the community’s request for food, Minister Gai said he would consult with non-governmental organizations about the need to address shortages in the area.

Accompanying the minister were several senior state officials and representatives of UNMISS, including Civil Affairs Officer Emmanuel Dukundane. The mission provided helicopter transport for the trip.

State Minister of Health Jehan Mechak noted that Pathai needed health facilities as well as a road to transport such services.

“I know that there is lack of medical services in this area,” Minister Mechak said. “We are going to help you people by bringing drugs here.”

18 March 2013 - Seeking to cut down on cattle raiding, UNMISS has been teaching residents of Jonglei's Bor County to make bricks, manage shops, grow vegetables and raise chickens.

“The beneficiaries ... are going to have a sustainable means of livelihood,” said UNMISS Jonglei Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Coordinator Olaide Omideyi. “Once they get involved in these kinds of activities, they will not again go ... cattle raiding.”

Organized by UNMISS DDR unit, the pilot project has been training 280 people of the area since November 2012.

Some 50 residents trained to make bricks have produced 25,000 to sell for their own profit. Another 50 learning poultry farming will receive 100 chicks each to raise on an UNMISS-built farm.

A group of 60 participants are building market shops and being trained in small business management. For their labour, they will receive 1,180 Sudanese pounds from the mission to stock the shops.

Two remaining groups of 60 people each are learning to grow vegetables.

All participants are also receiving training from UNMISS in conflict management, child protection, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Some 70 per cent of them volunteered to have themselves tested for HIV/AIDS.

A participant in shop management, Martha Ageth, said the course would help feed her four children and pay their school fees. “I am a poor woman, I need to attend this training till I finish.”

Mr. Omideyi said more women – about 80 per cent of participants -- were taking part in the training than men, which suited the aims of the course.

“Giving a business opportunity to women is better than giving it to men, because women will use it to support their families,” he said.

Engaging Jonglei’s mainly cattle-keeping communities in agribusiness activities would also help tackle food shortages in the area, Mr. Omideyi said.

UNMISS had agreed with the South Sudan DDR Commission to assess the Jonglei counties of Twic East, Duk, Ayod and Fangak as possible areas to replicate the same project, he said.

19 March 2013 - Lasting solutions must be found to address the threat from armed groups in South Sudan, despite government efforts to control them, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in latest report on the country. “I am disturbed by the recent flare-up of new incidents of inter-communal violence in Rumbek, Wau and Yei ... as well as the persistent deadly cattle raids that are perpetuating the cycle of violence in Jonglei and the tri-state area,” says the report, released on 19 March.

The Secretary-General praises the government's dispatch of high-level teams from Juba to address recent violence in Wau and Pibor. But he states that efforts to end vicious cycles of inter-communal violence and cattle raiding remain ad hoc and lasting solutions are needed.

“More efforts by the government are essential to address the root causes of the instability in Jonglei State, where a cattle raid claimed about 100 lives on 8 February, and in the tri-state area of Lakes, Unity and Warrap, where more than 3,000 armed youth attempted to launch a raid that could have created a crisis of major proportions,” Mr. Ban says.

He commends UNMISS for protecting thousands of civilians seeking refuge in its camps during the recent violence in Pibor and Wau. “However, the Mission is facing major challenges in implementing its protection-of-civilians mandate, even as it continues to devise innovative protection tools and strategies.”

Mr. Ban notes that UNMISS operations were marred by the tragic shooting down of one of its helicopters on 21 December 2012. This incident was particularly reprehensible as it was perpetrated by national security forces.

“I strongly urge the Government to complete its investigation of the incident in a thorough and timely manner and prosecute those responsible for this crime,” he says.

The Secretary-General expresses concern for delayed implementation of the 27 September 2012 Cooperation Agreements with Sudan. The deadlock, finally broken on 8 March when the parties agreed to establish the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, resulted in increased tensions and skirmishes in border areas.

He also points to recently reported human rights violations in the most volatile parts of the country. Investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings and other cases must be urgently completed and perpetrators held accountable.

Mr. Ban observes that UNMISS has faced obstacles in human rights monitoring, investigation and reporting in parts of South Sudan. “The detention and interrogation of two Human Rights Officers for several hours, which follows the expulsion of a Senior Human Rights Officer last October, is deplorable.”

He is also disturbed by an apparent lack of respect for freedom of expression. “Incidents of arbitrary arrests, threats, surveillance and intimidation are insidious breaches of the freedom of expression. The killing of columnist Isaiah Diing Abraham Chan Awol is indicative of this alarming trend.”

He urges the South Sudanese authorities to ensure that the three Media Bills currently before the National Legislative Assembly protect fundamental rights of all citizens to express their views.

The Secretary-General welcomes establishment of the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission Council, but expresses concern about government's ability to fund the programme.

He also praises the successful inauguration of the National Elections Commission, a vital step in preparing for 2015 elections. “I encourage the government to ensure that the funding and operational needs of the Commission are met to enable it to discharge its duties.”

Mr. Ban welcomes the extension of the Commission’s mandate until 31 December 2014 to carry out popular consultations and outreach in ensuring the permanent constitution considers and reflects the views of all South Sudanese.

19 March 2013 - The first round of South Sudan’s 2013 polio vaccination campaign began today, targeting over three million children across the country.

The World Health Organization is providing the national Ministry of Health with financial and technical support during the four-day effort, while UNICEF is assisting with mobilization and providing vaccines.

South Sudan’s last polio case was reported in June 2009. During that year, a total of 40 cases were reported, but none have been documented since then.

As campaigns generally run four times a year, the country should be having three more in 2013.

20 March 2013 - The Upper Nile government had agreed that humanitarian aid would be free from taxation in the state, a top UNMISS official said in the capital Malakal today.

“Public funds that come from donor countries to finance the projects of NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) or UN Agencies, or indeed UNMISS, cannot be taxed and we have reached an agreement on that,” said Deputy Special Representative to the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Toby Lanzer.

The DSRSG was speaking to the media at the end of a two-day visit to Malakal after meeting with Upper Nile Governor Simon Kun Puoch and his Council of Ministers. The DSRSG was accompanied by a delegation of five people from USAID, ECHO NGO Network and his Juba office.

The previous day, the DSRSG had met with UN agencies and NGOs who raised concerns about the state’s growing number of checkpoints and random taxation of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine.

Governor Puoch said his government would end the taxation, adding that it would also provide escorts for humanitarian aid convoys to specific areas of concern.

“All the UN and NGO vehicles moving on the roads and barges moving in the river within the state will not be touched, and we will provide escorts, especially to the areas where we feel humanitarian activities and service delivery to our people will be obstructed,” Mr. Puoch said.

The governor added that his government would prosecute anyone caught taxing humanitarians, be they police, military or ordinary people.

The meeting had also focused on the security situation and development opportunities in the state, the DSRSG said. “The governor confirmed to me that security has improved very much and the population is now feeling safe.”

20 March 2013 - Over 50 former soldiers in Lakes State’s Yirol West County will learn new skills to help them re-enter civilian life in a pilot UNMISS-government pilot programme beginning 15 April 2013.

The vocational training, to take place Mapel, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, will train participants in carpentry, mechanics, business activities, electronics and other areas, according SSDDRC Public Information Officer Karbino Yal.

The training will be held under the auspices of the South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (SSDDRC) in collaboration with UNMISS.

About 500 ex-combatants from Lakes, Warrap, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal and Western Bahr El-Ghazal are eventually due to participate in the pilot phase of the vocational training.

The ex-combatants expressed their willingness during a day-long sensitization campaign in Yirol West County put on by SSSDDRC and UNMISS.

The pilot programme will pave the way for DDR of about 150,000 ex-combatants across the country.

Farmers affected by last year’s flooding in Unity would receive food-for-work during the current agricultural season, a top state official announced today.

Speaking to journalists in the capital Bentiu, Deputy and Acting Unity Governor of Michael Chanjiak Gai said the World Food Programme (WFP) would provide food for agricultural work. The UN Development Programme had already provided four tractors for the season.

“We have identified the places, the population affected and the government has (also) talked to international NGOs ... willing to help and they have already pledged to support those communities,” Acting Governor Gai said.

Last year most of the state's crops were destroyed by floods.

28 March 2013 - As attacks from armed militia groups in Jonglei State have intensified in recent months, UNMISS bases in Pibor and Gumuruk have sheltered thousands of civilians.

On 21 March, UNMISS received 1,100 civilians at its compound in Gumuruk, Pibor County, following a clash between the SPLA and a militia group said to be loyal to David Yau Yau, which killed one civilian, UNMISS Protection of Civilians Advisor Anita Mongane said today in the capital Bor.

Another shooting occurred outside Pibor on 4 March, when a militia group ambushed an SPLA convoy, she said. UNMISS received about 900 civilians into its bases until they left on 11 March after calm had returned to the area.

Fighting had also broken out between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and Kuburin armed group (a breakaway Yau Yau faction) on 27 January, she said, leaving seven civilians dead and displacing 3,000 others, who also fled to UN facilities.

About 400 civilians who stayed in their dwellings during the shoot-out were trapped, Ms. Mongane said. Stepping in, UNMISS helped ferry them and members of 24 non-governmental organizations in UN vehicles to its compound.

Five civilians who sustained serious injuries during the cross-fire of that incident received treatment from UNMISS doctors at the facilities, she said.

About 550 were hosted at UNMISS facilities when armed militia groups alleged to be David Yau Yau loyalists attacked Pibor on 25 and 26 October last year, leaving one person dead.

This brought the total number of civilians UNMISS had sheltered in its bases since October 2012 to 5,950 people.

While armed group conflicts had intensified, only a few cattle raids had been reported in 2013, and no inter-communal violence or abduction of women and children, said Ms. Mongane.

She largely attributed this to UNMISS’ increased presence in the state, its regular land and air patrols and establishment of a permanent mission presence in Pibor.

UN Police had been assisting South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) to better maintain law and order within its ranks while protecting civilians and instill confidence in citizens, said James Horne, UN Police (UNPOL) Reform Coordinator for Jonglei.

“The public wants to see the SSPS behaving well, not badly,” Mr. Horne said. “They want to see them making good choices, not bad choices.”

UNPOL’s advisory role to SSNPS had led to deployment of 900 auxiliary police throughout the state to help boost SSNPS’ capacity to protect civilians, he noted.

But accessibility was a major drawback, according to UNMISS Jonglei State Coordinator Ibrahima Ndiaye “With the relatively flat landscape of the state, many protection activities (will) … come to an end as the rains begin, flooding and blocking many roads.”

“Moving quickly implies getting vehicles on the road quickly,” Mr. Horne said. “Roads are either not there or are very difficult to travel on.”

In addition, the utter absence of state authorities, especially police posts, in many counties made it difficult to keep and maintain peace, Mr. Ndiaye said.

He noted that state security was not in UNMISS hands. “It is the role of the state government to protect its citizens. We only intervene when the state is unable to give the support it is supposed to give.”

Protection Advisor Mongane said the SPLA was tasked with protecting the country, rather than civilians, from conflicts. “But since the police are too few … the SPLA are doing double work, straining their efforts.”

UNMISS would work within its capabilities to protect civilians in the state, said Mr. Ndiaye. The mission had a permanent troop presence in Pibor and Bor counties, as well as temporary bases at Yuai Payam of Uror County and at Gumuruk.

The State Coordinator dismissed as rumour the claim that the mission was partisan. Civilians would not seek shelter at UN facilities if they believed UNMISS sided with one group or another, he said.