6 June 2013 - Residents of Pibor, Jonglei State, felt safe when they were inside the UNMISS compound during conflict, County Commissioner Moses Ajak Pjoch said at his office in the town today.
Local government officials in Pibor appreciated UNMISS support in protecting civilians during periods of crisis, Mr. Pjoch said. “(UNMISS) is also doing patrols in the area (and when) … people see the patrols, they feel safe."
Since October 2012, hundreds of civilians fleeing from violence in the area have sought refuge at the UNMISS base in Pibor.
The mission had a permanent presence on the ground, sending out five to six patrols to Pibor town and one or two further out into the market area daily, according to UNMISS Spokesperson Ariane Quentier.
UNMISS was also providing transport for government officials and medical evacuation for those requiring it. According to Ms. Quentier, UNMISS had evacuated about 160 people from Jonglei State in the last 12 months.
“UNMISS only undertakes casualty evacuations of non-UN personnel when there is a critical medical requirement and no other humanitarian option is available,” she said. “UNMISS does not make any distinction on the origin of the casualties.”
Mr. Pjoch noted that the mission had also assisted the government in resuming operations in Boma, following hostilities in the area in recent weeks.
A press release issued by the mission on 2 June noted that UNMISS had conducted a one-day mission to Boma to conduct an assessment of the security situation.
“It is important that all efforts are made to improve the security situation and promote reconciliation within the community, as well as ensure that the local authorities are able to function properly again,” the statement said. “UNMISS stands ready to provide support to this end. “