Source: APO
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“What we are missing are integrated solutions to complex problems. None of the challenges we are facing are isolated.”
This statement by Terekeka County Commissioner, Emmanuel Loku, is a prime example of why the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is prioritizing integrated patrols, comprising of military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, to locations across the country.
While military patrols are critical to providing a protective presence and deterring violence, the inclusion of civilian personnel offer even greater opportunities.
“It means we reach people who may not be so happy to engage with a military-only patrol. Having civilians in the team also helps strengthen relationships with communities and creates a more open and constructive environment for discussions,” explains UNMISS Military Observer, Lieutenant Colonel, Sylwester Lubiejewski.
The three-day patrol to Terekeka includes representatives from Child Protection, Civil Affairs, Community Outreach and UNMISS-operated Radio Miraya, with protection provided by UN Police and Chinese military colleagues.
“Coordinating and, often, leading these patrols is challenging as we work together to ensure the objectives are achieved efficiently and safely,” says Lubiejewski.
“We frequently encounter checkpoints where, despite extensive negotiations, commanders refuse to grant passage to destinations indicated in the approved documentation. The reasons for such access denials vary and are not always directly related to security concerns.”
Enjoying road conditions that are much smoother than most in other parts of South Sudan, the 20-vehicle convoy travels comfortably along the 80km route from Juba to Terekeka. Given the limited time available to carry out all planned activities, the team splits up.
Most of the military contingent stays at a local government pre-approved site to set up a temporary base that will be home for the duration of the stay. Remaining protection forces accompany civilians to Rego for a handover of a water reservoir constructed with UNMISS’ support.
The supposedly 30-minute-long journey turns into more than two hours as the convoy navigates massive potholes and almost impassable roads.
“Visibility not ideal. Requesting brief stop to reconvene and discuss way forward. Over,” squawks the radio, as the patrol keep in constant contact throughout the journey.
On arrival, team members embark on their individual activities.
While Civil Affairs facilitates the water reservoir handover to the local community, Outreach and Miraya colleagues start interviewing those participating for radio programming.
After two hours, the convoy returns to the base where they set up their sleeping arrangements on the floor and cots in shared big tents or their own private ones outside.
Bucket-based hygiene sessions in gender-divided shower tents, a shared dinner, and debriefs about the day turns strangers turn into friends. Protected by military peacekeepers assigned for the night watch, the day comes to an end.
Sleep is restless, at best, with strategically installed movement alarms and night patrols disrupting the calmness.
But sunrise brings a fresh burst of energy.
Some team members continue with outreach activities while others head to Muni village where their arrival has eagerly anticipated.
Outside the Payam Administrator’s office, farmer, Petia Luka Gorie, explains how eager the community is to speak with the peacekeepers.
Some stay in the office to discuss local challenges and solutions with a diverse team of health facilitators, educators, and women representatives, invited by the Administrator.
“We thank you for providing us with the opportunity to gain so many diverse perspectives which helps us get a proper picture of the situation at hand,” expresses UNMISS Child Protection Officer, Phoebe Murungi.
Outside, mother of nine and farmer, Santina Lejang, is proudly showing other patrol members around the community while outlining the impact of a lack of medical supplies that make it impossible for the 19 doctors to provide treatment.
The visit ends as friendly as it begun with Muni Payam Director, Simon Wani, visibly pleased with the opportunity and outcome of the discussions.
“You came here as visitors, but we would like to welcome you back as guests soon.”
Back in Terekeka town, the Outreach Team successfully conducted three peace circles with youth, women and local chiefs to assess cattle raid concerns and security incidents – a strategic follow-up to yesterday’s water reservoir handover.
“During our engagements, local communities were able to confirm both a decline in insecurity incidents as well as the return of cattle keepers following the construction of the water reservoir after the lack of water had previously driven them to look for water sources in other counties, which has become a major cause for cattle raids,” explains UNMISS Public Information Assistant, Alahayi Nemaya.
At night, the shared, different perspectives and insights serve once again as reminder of the value that integrated patrols provide.
Two activity-packed days end with a last night of rest before the base is dismantled and the team departs.
As the patrol approaches Juba city center, goodbyes and gratitude are expressed via radios while each team heads to their respective compounds, ready to translate their experiences and insights into action to support the communities they serve.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
