The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday unveiled a plan to increase peacekeepers in Kodok area in Upper Nile region to provide security to internally displaced persons (IDPS) returning home.
David Shearer, Head of the UNMISS, told reporters in Juba that they plan to establish a new base in Kodok to support peacebuilding in the area so that people can have the confidence to return.
“We will, as we always do, fully consult all parties over the coming months, as we make decisions about our presence in various areas, including the Upper Nile,” Shearer said.
“There is a lot of work to do in Kodok before our presence is fully established. For example, we face significant logistical challenges in transporting heavy equipment, not just for our base construction, but also to rehabilitate the roads and the airstrip. But we are committed to moving as quickly as possible and are grateful that we have the full support of the authorities there,” he added.
The top UN official further said he visited Malakal, Kodok and Renk in Upper Nile where the security situation has significantly improved and people are beginning to return to the area from Aburoc, Sudan and other places where they had sought refuge during the conflict.
Shearer pointed out that the number of returnees is expected to increase the implementation of the peace agreement progresses.
UNMISS is comprised of 14,500 peacekeepers, including the Regional Protection Force (RPF) in the country.