South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) yesterday commemorated the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at UN House in Juba, issuing a call for peace and unity in South Sudan.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was commemorated under the theme “Peace Begins with Me.”
Akuei Bona Malual, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the celebration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers is geared towards making the world a better place to live.
“Peace Begins with Me is really appropriate, especially considering what is going on in the world. If we actually embraced that theme, perhaps the world would be a better place,” said Malual in a statement issued by UNMISS in Juba.
The Deputy Minister joined other participants in acknowledging the courage and commitment of the 18,000 uniformed UN peacekeepers working in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions to support the world’s youngest country on its journey from conflict to peace.
Tribute was also paid to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, with a wreath-laying ceremony and the lowering of the United Nations and South Sudan flags to half-mast.
Guang Cong, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Political Affairs, stated that the celebration is a reminder of the sacrifices undertaken by UN peacekeepers.
“Today, we remember our own colleagues serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, especially those who sadly passed away in the last year. We express our deep condolences to their families. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace,” said Cong.
South Sudan is grappling with a deteriorating political and security situation that risks plunging the country back into war. Military confrontations and inter-communal conflict continue to plague parts of the country. The implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement is stagnating, despite its critical importance in progressing the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections, and 9.3 million people need humanitarian aid at a time when funding is stretched to breaking point.
“Despite these obstacles, the people of South Sudan continue to demonstrate extraordinary patience, resilience, and determination. We are inspired by their unrelenting passion for peace,” said Cong.
“As an impartial partner, UNMISS’s role is to support all parties leading the transformation of this country. We, together with our regional and international partners, urge the parties to the peace agreement to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, secure a cessation of hostilities, and take the necessary steps to fully implement the peace agreement.”
Prior to the official ceremony, a new memorial was also unveiled to recognise the extraordinary efforts of uniformed personnel who persevere in the face of many obstacles to protect civilians and deter violence across the country, with some sadly losing their lives in the line of duty.
Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, the UNMISS Force Commander, revealed that the flag is flying because of the bravery of the UN peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of peace.
“This United Nations flag in front of the Force Headquarters from today will not fly by the wind that breezes through but by the last breath of these valiant brave hearts,” said UNMISS Force Commander Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian.
