David Shearer, the UNMISS chief, was in a good and optimistic mood at his welcome reception in Juba today (2 February 2017).
UNMISS chief at welcome reception: There is “courage and resilience”, “hope and optimism”
UNMISS chief David Shearer on Thursday attended his welcome reception in Juba amongst government officials, members of the diplomatic community and UN colleagues. In his remarks, he spoke about his “conviction that a brighter…
The UNMISS Civil Affairs Division on Wednesday 1 February facilitated a well-attended peace forum in Bentiu.
UNMISS official in Bentiu: Peace dialogue initiatives at local level crucial for reconciliation
Local peace dialogue initiatives have proven to have encouraging results and are important to reconcile communities and foster peaceful coexistence. That was a key message at such a peace forum organized by the UNMISS Civil…
Chuol Rambang, chairperson of the South Sudan Peace Commission, suggests an inclusive, bottom-up approach to the national dialogue, as a complement to the peace agreement.
Peace Commission chairperson Rambang: National dialogue should be bottom-up, inclusive process
“The national dialogue should be conducted through a bottom-up approach,” proposes the chairperson of the South Sudan Peace Commission. Chuol Rambang says consultations should be conducted from boma (village) to payam…
Peace campaigner William Ongoro tells Radio Miraya that countering hate speech requires ‘maturity’ and ‘change in mindset’
Radio Miraya: Peace campaigner says countering hate speech requires ‘maturity’ and ‘change in mindset’
Peace activist William Ongoro has asked the people of South Sudan to shun hate speech and work on building positive relationships. The former Coordinator for the National Platform for Peace and Reconciliation denounces the…
UNMISS Civil Affairs Division holding a workshop in Yei, aiming to improve poor relations and persistent distrust between military and civilians in the area.
Distrust between military and civilians makes life difficult in Yei
As the July 2016 outbreak of violence in Juba spread further south, relations between civilians and military deteriorated in Yei. The few remaining civilians stay in the town of Yei, as straying beyond a 5-kilometre radius…
President Salva Kiir, here in a recent meeting with UNMISS chief David Shearer, has today called for peace and promised that his proposed national dialogue will begin in March.
Radio Miraya: President Kiir calling for peace, says national dialogue to start in March
President Salva Kiir addressed a public rally in Yei town earlier today, calling for peace and stability and promising that a four-month-long national dialogue process will begin in March. The president, accompanied by…
Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, during a visit to Yei in November 2016.
Statement by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on the situation in South Sudan
[New York, 7 February 2017] The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, expressed grave concern at the continued level of violence in several areas of South Sudan. “President Salva…
Festus Mogae, Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), at today's plenary session.
JMEC press release: JMEC dismayed by continued fighting in South Sudan
[THE FULL TEXT OF THE CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS ATTACHED BELOW.] (Audio from Radio Miraya and link to photo album below) JMEC Chairman, H.E. Festus Mogae, opened the February JMEC Plenary, in Juba, by expressing concern and…
Juba-based female military personnel from Australia, China, Ethiopia, Japan and Nepal participated in the first meeting of a new network for UNMISS female troops created by Military Gender Advisor Bettina Stelzer.
UNMISS Military Gender Advisor creates network for female troops
On Wednesday 8 February, Major Bettina Stelzer, the UNMISS Military Gender Advisor, organized a first meeting to create a network for female military personnel deployed in South Sudan. “It is our responsibility to push the…
A few of the 51 radio journalists from around the country who participated in UNESCO's training on conflict-sensitive reporting.
UNESCO trains South Sudan journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting
Last week UNESCO trained 51 radio journalists from around the country on conflict-sensitive reporting. Participants agreed that, used in a sensible manner, media has a vital role to play in deescalating conflict and building…
The UNMISS chief David Shearer continues to tour South Sudan. Today he visited Bentiu.
UNMISS chief Shearer visits Bentiu and Leer
(Scroll down for audio). The Head of UN Mission in South Sudan, David Shearer, is on a two-day visit to Bentiu and Leer to assess the general situation on the ground. This is his second field visit outside Juba since he…
Statement Attributable to the Office of the Spokesperson United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS): Upper Nile Operations worrying.
UNMISS SRSG; Fighting in the west bank of the River Nile has reached “worrying proportions”
Fighting in the west bank of the River Nile in the north of South Sudan has reached what the head of the UN mission in the country (UNMISS), David Shearer has described as “worrying proportions.” What began with an exchange…