KATHMANDU: The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has prevented inter-communal clashes that could have killed hundreds and displaced thousands of people, adding that the South Sudanese army(SSPDF) thanked UNMISS for its prompt response.
“Within minutes of receiving warning of a potential clash between armed groups in Cueibet, Nepalese peacekeepers sprang into action, sending a team of highly trained troops to intervene and protect civilians in the area.” Reads part of the UNMISS report.
“At around 9am, the peacekeepers, who are located at a temporary base in the remote area, received information that the group was mobilizing to attack and that 100 people within the town itself had armed themselves as they prepared to repel that attack. A violent clash was imminent.” UNMISS Report continued.
According to Captain Bigyan Bista, the Commander of the Nepali Quick Reaction Force, the Nepali contingent “immediately sent a platoon of soldiers to intercept the groups and, within an hour, they had set up a checkpoint” between the two communities.
“Our task was to assess the security situation, patrol the area to deter the armed groups, provide a protective presence and intervene to protect civilians if needed,” Captain Bigyan Bista said.
The threat of an inter-communal clash came about after a young man was killed during a raid on a cattle camp about 12 kilometers north of Cueibet town in the Lakes region of South Sudan.
According to the residents, about 60 members of his community gathered their weapons and headed towards the town to avenge his death.
The joint effort between UNMISS and local security services worked with the armed group turning back to their village.
The report said, the South Sudanese army, loyal to president Salva Kiir, in the area expressed their appreciation for peacekeepers’ quick response.
“The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in the area expressed their appreciation for peacekeepers’ quick response.” Part of UNMISS report reads.
According to a UNMISS report, this is common for conflict to flare up between communities during the dry season in South Sudan as they seek to recover from the loss of crops and cattle during the previous rainy months through violent raids on others.
In anticipation of these violences, UNMISS had established temporary bases in conflict hotspots in line with its “proactive, robust and nimble” approach to peacekeeping and peace building.
“In these bases, integrated military and civilian teams work to deter violence, support reconciliation efforts, and help communities reach agreement to peacefully co-exist. The aim is to provide protection where it is needed most,” read a report.
(With inputs from Nyamilepedia)
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