By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has officially closed its field office in Torit, the headquarters of Eastern Equatoria State, a decision the Mission attributed to a global funding shortfall.
The move, which will see UNMISS scale down its operations by 50 percent, was confirmed in a statement issued yesterday Tuesday by the press unit for the Eastern Equatoria state governor.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Acting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG), officially briefed the state government on the plans to close the field office.
Despite the physical closure, Kiki Gbeho assured Governor Louis Lobong Lojore that the Mission is “not abandoning Eastern Equatoria State, but will continue to provide support from Juba.”
The discussion between UNMISS and state officials cantered on exploring how they can continue to work together to advance priority activities and sustain progress in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts.
Governor Lobong acknowledged the challenging global conditions behind the decision and “appreciated UNMISS’s long standing partnership“ with the state government
However, the Governor also emphasized the state’s hope that UNMISS would remain operational in Torit until after the national elections. He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to maintain close cooperation with UNMISS, expressing a belief that the Mission’s departure from Torit is not permanent.
The statement concluded with an appeal from the Governor: “The citizens of Eastern Equatoria State to remain calm and patient as the process of official closure continues. Further communication will be made regarding the transition and continued collaboration with UNMISS.”
Lobong also took the opportunity to commend UNMISS for recognizing the progress achieved in sustaining peace and stability in the state, adding that this stability is a joint effort of the government and the people of Eastern Equatoria.