The new chief of the UN Mission in South Sudan David Shearer has arrived in Juba this evening to take up his duties and was received by members of the UNMISS leadership.

Shearer was named by Ban Ki-moon as UNMISS chief on 23 December 2016. He succeeded Ellen Margrethe Loej of Denmark, who completed her assignment in November 2016.

Speaking to reporters at Juba International Airport, Shearer said that he came to contribute for stability and peace in South Sudan. “I came with a very fresh and open mind about South Sudan. I haven’t obvious a long experience here, I am going to in a few weeks in listening note and just hearing what people are going to say to me,” said Shearer.

“I am looking forward for their assignment, I know it is going to be challenging, but I feel South Sudanese people deserve to have a state that is functioning and looks after them and stable and provides for their peace and prosperity,” he added.

The new UNMISS head vowed to work for peace and stability in South Sudan. Shearer is scheduled to meet government officials including Foreign Minister Deng Alor.

Shearer had served as UN deputy envoy in Iraq from 2007 to 2009, following UN assignments in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Israel, Rwanda, Liberia and the Balkans.

File photo: the new UNMISS chief David Shearer arrives in Juba /Tamazuj