UN Special Representative to South Sudan pledges support to Eastern Equatoria

August 19 2011 (JUBA) – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to South Sudan Hilde Johnson on Friday pledged support of the new UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to the population and state authorities.

Johnson made the remarks to the press at Juba International Airport as she traveled to Torit, capital of Eastern Equatoria, where she intends to hold series of meetings with the State Governor, members of the State Assembly and representatives from civil society organisations.

South Sudan’s top UN official will extend her visit to Kapoeta; a county within Eastern Equatoria State, where is she expected to hold another meeting with the County Commissioner, local council, traditional leaders as well as the Commander of Brigade 9 of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army’s (SPLA) 2nd Division.

Johnson became Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations after the South Sudan officially became an independent State from Sudan on July 9, following the conduct of January’s vote in which majority of the eligible voters opted overwhelmingly in favour of secession.

Described as “friend” of the people of South Sudan, considering her relationship with the late SPLM leader John Garang, Johnson’s nomination to the post in late June, was warmly accepted by the leadership of the country’s ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

In the days leading to formal proclamation of the independence of South Sudan, the Security Council of the United Nations established as of July 9, the new mission for the new state called the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan.

The UN’s mission established after the Security Council passed the resolution 1996 which mandates the new mission to consolidate peace, security and to help establish the necessary conditions for development with a view to strengthening the capacity of the government of the Republic of South Sudan to govern effectively and democratically establish good relations with its North Sudan.

She said the new mission will consist of up to 7,000 military personnel, including military liaison officers and staff officers, up to 900 civilian police personnel. Their mandate, she said, would be working together with the government at all levels to consolidate of peace and thereby fostering longer term state building and economic development.

“Support government in its existing responsibilities for conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution and protect civilians. Provide technical assistance in accordance with the principles of national ownership and in cooperation with the UN Country team and other international partners, in developing its capacity to provide security to establish rule of law and to consolidate the security system and just justice”, she explained.

Asked why she embarked on visits to South Sudan’s states, Johnson said: “I want to reach out across South Sudan and listen to the concerns and priorities of ordinary people and the local Government. South Sudan faces significant challenges ahead and it is vital that the new UN mission in South Sudan adapts to meet the needs of the people.

“Our new mandate tasks us to step up efforts to support the government in consolidating peace, building stability, helping the state authorities to protect the most vulnerable communities and facilitating development progress by UN agencies and NGOs. UNMISS will work closely with the people and Government to build a better future for all peoples of South Sudan.”

UN SRSG Johnson will also view the independence flag on Kinyeti Mountain with state officials.

(ST)