By Deng Machol
JUBA — The United Nations has announced that it will keep one of its key peacekeeping bases operational in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, citing worsening insecurity and the urgent need to protect civilians caught in escalating violence.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, said the mission had postponed plans to close its base in Akobo County after renewed clashes between government and opposition forces heightened tensions in the area and disrupted humanitarian operations.
Speaking during her first introductory press briefing in Juba on Tuesday, Gbeho said the Akobo base had originally been scheduled for closure last December as part of broader UN cost-cutting measures.
“However, given the security situation in Jonglei, as well as rising conflict in Akobo itself, we decided to retain our peacekeepers until we were confident that our political engagements had taken hold,” Gbeho told journalists.
She said the mission wanted to ensure that tensions had eased, civilians were no longer facing imminent threats, and humanitarian partners could safely resume life-saving assistance.
Despite those efforts, the situation on the ground remains fragile. Akobo has witnessed renewed fighting in recent months, including two major clashes between rival forces.
The violence forced several humanitarian agencies to temporarily withdraw from the area in March and April, leaving vulnerable communities with severely limited access to food, healthcare, and protection services.
Gbeho noted that some displaced residents are now beginning to return to Akobo, adding that UN peacekeepers are helping to create a safer environment for humanitarian organizations to scale up critical aid delivery.
“Our peacekeepers are helping to provide a much-needed protective environment that enables UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as NGOs, to scale up critical assistance,” she said.
She acknowledged that the intervention comes at a time when the UN system is facing significant financial pressure globally, but stressed that the organization’s priority remains protecting lives.
“This is taking place amid significant financial constraints affecting the UN system, yet our guiding principle remains clear: people must come first,” Gbeho emphasized.
According to UNMISS, continued cooperation from South Sudanese authorities will be essential to guarantee safe and efficient movement for peacekeepers and humanitarian workers across the country.
“The safety of the South Sudanese people will remain the primary responsibility of the Government,” she said.
Gbeho also called on South Sudan’s political leaders to intensify inclusive dialogue efforts and work toward a political compromise capable of preserving peace and stability in the country.
“We are clear: this is a South Sudan-owned peace process, and it must remain so. We are not seeking to impose external milestones on the parties,” she said.
“The UN — your partner of choice — is here to help create space for leaders to fulfill the promise of peace they made to their citizens.”
