UNMISS to deploy troops in volatile areas, wants all learners examined

The UN Mission in South Sudan has announced plan to temporarily deploy troops in seven bases within the country to restore sanity.

 The Head of the UNMISS David Shearer cited volatility in various places like Warrap, Maban and Jonglei which he said needed attention.

‘‘UNMISS has also increased patrols to potential hotspots and, this week, we plan to deploy peacekeepers to seven temporary operating bases across the country,’’ he said in his statement issued on Tuesday, February 9.

‘‘Our very strong feeling is that, if we can deploy early in the dry season, we have a better chance of success in preventing violence before it happens.’’

Mr Shearer lauded the recent peace talks that targeted the tensions in Jonglei State and Pibor Administrations in past couple of weeks.  He said the mission is committed to ensuring that the peace agreement signed Juba to secure Jonglei succeeds. This, he said, comes in handy with the fact-finding and solution for the intermittent conflicts.

But he also asked the government to ensure that children in SPLM-IO areas do not miss the examinations.  He said the mission is willing to ensure that learners are secured and are examined following their efforts to ensure that they prepare for the exam.

‘‘We also strongly urge the distribution of exam papers to children in some IO areas who may miss out because of insecurity.’’

‘‘We stand by to help out if it means that these kids will have the chance to sit their exams. Every child deserves the very best chance for the future.’’

Apart from the peace keeping efforts, the mission has leadership called on the transitional government to fast-track the implementation of the peace agreement.  For example, Shearer said the pending graduation of Necessary Unified Forces is an example that the government was not doing enough.

‘‘…we have heard this over and over and over, but it hasn’t happened yet. The announcement made about 10 days ago is very, very welcome but we need to see action rather than words,’’ he said.