UN Peacekeepers honored in South Sudan for their decade-long efforts protecting civilians and promoting lasting peace amid ongoing conflict.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was commemorated on Monday in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, marking the occasion with a warm and symbolic friendly football match between peacekeepers deployed in the region and local women from the community. This event was organized as part of a broader initiative to raise awareness about the critical need to de-escalate ongoing tensions and to promote peace and reconciliation in an area that has been deeply affected by conflict and instability over many years.

James Severino, who is currently serving as the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, addressed the gathering with words of gratitude and encouragement. He reflected on the longstanding partnership between the local population and the peacekeeping forces, emphasizing the importance of their joint efforts in fostering peace and protecting civilians. Severino stated, “We have seen the presence of peacekeepers for over ten years. We worked together, we fought together, to ensure that relative peace comes to Tambura. Thank you, peacekeepers, for your tireless efforts in managing to protect our civilians. We will continue to stand firmly with you to work for peace in this region.” His remarks underscored the shared commitment of local leaders and international peacekeepers to safeguarding the community and building stability.

Western Equatoria State has endured years of severe hardship due to military confrontations, armed conflicts, and intercommunal violence that have disrupted the social and economic life of the area. The peacekeepers present at this event are part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was established with the critical mandate of preventing the country from descending back into civil war. UNMISS plays a vital role not only in protecting civilians but also in creating conditions conducive to lasting peace. This includes supporting the establishment of political processes that can lead to free, fair, and credible elections, which are seen as key steps toward durable stability and national reconciliation. Currently, the mission comprises more than 18,000 peacekeepers drawn from 75 different countries, all working collaboratively to fulfill this challenging mandate.

Emmanuel Dukundane, a Civil Affairs Officer serving with UNMISS, spoke during the event to highlight the successes and ongoing efforts of peacekeepers in the region. He pointed out the extensive collaboration between UNMISS and local authorities, which has been particularly active in Tambura and its surrounding areas, including the eastern counties of Western Equatoria State, as well as the state capital, Yambio. Dukundane expressed a strong commitment to continuing this partnership, saying, “We have had a lot of efforts together and collaboration in Tambura, greater Tambura, in the eastern counties of the State, and even here in Yambio. We express our commitment to continue with this partnership and collaboration to ensure that we have sustainable peace in the State.” His speech underscored the importance of unity and shared responsibility among all stakeholders in order to maintain and deepen peace.

A solemn moment during the event was dedicated to honoring the peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving in South Sudan over the past year. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and security for a nation struggling with ongoing conflict. Wakila Charles, the Speaker of the Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly, spoke poignantly about this sacrifice, urging the community and leaders to reflect on the true meaning of peace. He said, “Our brothers, our beloved brothers, have laid down their lives for the sake of peace. I ask everyone to reflect on whether there is peace in your own home. As Members of Parliament and as leaders, we represent our communities. If peace begins with me, then my home will be peaceful, my community will be peaceful, and the State will be peaceful.” His words served as a powerful reminder that peace is a collective responsibility that starts at the individual and community levels.

Since the founding of UNMISS in 2011, a total of 145 peacekeepers have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifices highlight the dangerous and demanding nature of peacekeeping missions in volatile environments like South Sudan. The day’s commemorations served both as a tribute to these fallen heroes and as a reaffirmation of the ongoing international commitment to supporting South Sudan on its path toward lasting peace and development.