UNMISS chief reminds new South Sudan VP on coordination mechanisms

August 31, 2013 (JUBA) – The special representative of the United Nations Secretary General and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Hilde Johnson, said she had discussed with the new South Sudan’s vice president, James Wani Igga, the need to resume meetings on coordination of mechanisms between the government and the UN body.

Johnson heads the 10,000 strong UNMISS forces deployed in South Sudan since July 2011 per a resolution of the UN Security Council to help the two-year old nation get on its feet by supporting its programs in various sectors.

A government-UNMISS mandate mechanism round-table was established in 2011 and co-chaired by Johnson and the former vice-president Riek Machar, where they used to discuss crucial issues and agree on cooperation and coordination of various efforts in the region.

Johnson on Friday met the new vice-president Igga and the two discussed the importance of reviving the bi-weekly important meetings which have stalled for the last one month since 23 July when Machar was removed from the position.

In a press statement Johnson said she explained to the new vice-president the significance of the forum and that the two agreed to revive it.

(ST)