The head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), David Shearer, returned to the capital Juba on Thursday from a two-day field visit to Bentiu and Leer towns, which have been amongst the most affected by the country’s conflict.

In a statement issued yesterday and seen by Radio Tamazuj, UNMISS said Shearer met state government officials in Bentiu, as well as internally displaced people who are living in the largest protection of civilians site in the country.

It added that Shearer also visited the mission’s temporary operating base in Leer to assess UNMISS’ success in mounting robust patrols which push the mission’s presence deep into the field.

According to the statement, the UNMISS chief held discussions with local officials and also took the opportunity to travel to an opposition-controlled area to meet with pro-Machar representatives so he could hear all shades of opinion on how to facilitate humanitarian assistance and advance the peace process.

“The local opposition told Shearer that they support the current localized cessation of hostilities and remain in a defensive position which they hope will encourage the return of humanitarian agencies to Leer,” partly reads the statement.

The statement noted that both the local authorities and the opposition praised the UN for its efforts to facilitate communications between them. Mr. Shearer heard that they both recognize that an inclusive national dialogue will assist the peace process, according to the statement.

File photo: David Shearer speaks to reporters at Juba Airport on 20 January, 2017/Radio Tamazuj