News (Consolidated) - UNSOM

Trust and confidence has been reinforced between the civilian population and military forces of the Sudan People Liberation Army-in Opposition and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Kapoeta, located in Eastern Equatoria. “It used to be very difficult for civilians to interact with…

Seventy-five United Nations peacekeepers have been temporarily re-deployed from Rumbek to Maper to deter further violence between communities in the northern Lakes region of South Sudan. The fresh deployment of Nepalese troops serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan follows reports…

A brief, but telling, conversation unfolded in Maper on Monday between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar and Manyiel Lieny, the Paramount Chief of Gak community, which has been at bloody odds with its neighbour, the Manuer community. “Do…

A total of 32 representatives from government and opposition forces operating in the Greater Upper Nile region have reiterated their commitment to stop recruiting boys and girls under the age of 18 and to release any children found in their ranks. “Our working group agreed to release all remaining…

Rural women in Ikotos and other communities near Torit in Eastern Equatoria have teamed up to advocate for an end to gender-based violence. The women believe the only way to protect themselves is by directly defending their rights. As part of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based…

Decades of fighting both before and after South Sudan reached independence in 2011 have ravaged it within and without. Institutions and infrastructure buttressing its legislative and judicial framework especially have been left badly shaken by the aftermath of conflict. "We know that South Sudan has…

“Here in Nyara, we don’t rape, we are organized. We are for the peace agreement and we will implement it,” confirmed Major General Benjamin John Batista, deputy sector commander of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition. Command orders issued by Riek Machar, chairperson of the Sudan People…

Girls and boys in Aweil area have converged their voices to reject early marriage and demand their right to education. “We have found out that our customary laws in South Sudan don’t favour women at all. They only favour men,” said 19-year-old Maria Angelo, a female student of City of Glory…

Few United Nations Volunteers, UNVs, can be better suited for their tasks than Ratha Pathmanathan, a Relief, Reintegration and Protection Officer working primarily with internally displaced people in Juba. Ratha knows more about armed conflict and its many horrific consequences than most. She hails…

This week, Bangaldeshi peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have conducted a day-long medical outreach campaign to provide free basic medical services for residents of the town of Raja Lol and surrounding villages. “I am hard of hearing in one of my ears and I am also…

A fresh outbreak of tribal clashes and other internal fighting has reportedly resulted in the death and displacement of civilians in the central and northern regions of South Sudan over the weekend. “These clashes in areas that have been relatively calm for many months is worrying,” said David…

36-year-old Raja resident Adam Arkangelo resolved to accept his new HIV status. He had tested positive at Raja Hospital, but couldn’t tell where and how he got infected with HIV – the virus that causes AIDS. Coming from a well-respected family background, Adam felt embarrassed by his new discovery…