UN’s South Sudan boss vows to protect civilians

September 23, 2014 (WAU) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Loej, said civilian protection remains a top priority under the world body’s mandate in the young nation.

“Our responsibility in South Sudan is to protect the entire civilians against anybody. Civilians, as individuals, are the same as our members,” Loej said during her visit to Western Bahr el Ghazal state capital Wau on Tuesday.

“We are not here in South Sudan to support one political party, we are not intervening in South Sudan’s political affairs, but are here for peace in South Sudan,” she added.

The senior UN official further expressed the need for all stakeholders and partners in the county to facilitate humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

At least 1.3 million people have been displaced by the violence that has also seen thousands killed as peace talks mediated by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) continues to face serious huddles.

During her visit, Loej also held meetings with members of Western Bahr el Ghazal cabinet, briefing them about the UN’s new mandate.

“Our mandate in South Sudan, include capacity building in the country. Currently, we are unable to support the police forces in building their capacity, but all these will be address,” said Loej.

Loej, who hails from Denmark, was appointed to the position to replace her predecessor, Hilde Johnson, whose term expired in July.

She previously served as head of the UN mission in Liberia and was Denmark’s permanent representative to the UN, in addition to holding other key diplomatic posts.

(ST)