“Understanding the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan will improve our working relationship with peacekeepers on the ground,” said Mijok Miabek Gum, Commissioner of Jau county in Ruweng Administrative Area.

“This will help us protect our own communities better,” he added. “As South Sudanese, we have suffered enormously from unceasing conflict. It is now time that we join forces with our peace partners and actively usher in a peaceful, prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come.”

Commissioner Gum was speaking at a day-long workshop organized by the UN Peacekeeping mission to raise awareness among local stakeholders on its mandated role in South Sudan as well as to build public trust and confidence.

More than 60 government officials, traditional and community leaders, military commanders, police officers, county commissioners, youth and women’s representatives attended this interactive session. Participants were drawn from all eight counties in Ruweng Administrative Area.

For Peter Jau Mayil, Deputy Chief Administrator, Blue Helmets have restored calm, stability and are a much-appreciated presence on the ground.

“When we see UNMISS peacekeepers from Mongolia in Pariang, we know that we are safe. Our communities sleep peacefully at night and have gained confidence,” he averred.