Western Bahr el-Ghazal Governor Gen. Sharif Daniel Sharif met Thursday with Francois Grignon, deputy director for political and peacebuilding affairs in the U.N.’s Eastern Africa Division, to discuss peace operations and humanitarian challenges in the state.
The meeting focused on support for internally displaced persons, refugees, and returnees. Grignon praised the state’s stable political and security environment and reaffirmed the U.N.’s partnership with the local government.
“I was very pleased to learn that the situation here is calm and constructive,” Grignon said. “There have been no incidents of violence, and dialogue among different forces is ongoing as preparations for the 2026 general elections advance.”
He pledged continued U.N. support for peacebuilding and humanitarian initiatives in Western Bahr El-Ghazal.
Sharif said his administration is committed to working with the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), civil society, and non-governmental organizations.
“Our government ensures strong cooperation with all political parties. We guarantee freedom of movement for NGOs and civil society groups, particularly UNMISS, and maintain open channels for information-sharing and joint problem-solving,” he said.
Both leaders said the partnership between the U.N. and the state government is key to sustaining peace, fostering dialogue, and supporting credible elections in December this year.
South Sudan is scheduled to hold national general elections in December, following repeated delays since the country’s independence in 2011. The elections will select the president and members of the national legislature and are seen as a critical test for the country’s fragile transition.