US ambassador to South Sudan reaches Unity state in countrywide tour

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

February 29, 2012 (BENTIU) – United States (US) ambassador to South Sudan, Susan Page met with Unity state governor, Taban Deng Gai on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the state.

“I’m trying to get around all the ten states to visit and make a tour to see what our own projects are doing and how the government at the local level is working with the people in trying to achieve the aspiration of the people of South Sudan,” said Page.

Unity state has been facing challenges in terms of development, and an influx of refugees from war torn South Kordofan, which Page acknowledged.

Page said, they will work with the various United Nations (UN) agencies and the Government of South Sudan at both the state and national levels, to try to assist the refugees, especially the most vulnerable.

“We would like for them to move to safer places, safer locations that are away from areas of fighting so these are some areas we are working on,” she added.

The UN estimates 26,400 refugees from South Kordofan have moved to Unity since the conflict began in September 2011.

The UN condemned Khartoum’s bombing of the Yida refugee camp in Unity in November 2011.

(ST)