UNMISS steps up security efforts amid escalating political unrest and violence across South Sudan.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has ramped up its patrols at a displacement camp near its peacekeeping base, as the country faces an alarming surge in political and military tensions. The camp, which houses tens of thousands of displaced individuals, is now under round-the-clock monitoring in response to the growing threats stemming from clashes between rival factions aligned with the two main parties to the country’s 2018 peace agreement.
With fighting erupting in multiple regions of South Sudan and political instability reaching new heights in the capital, Juba, the security situation in the country is deteriorating. The UNMISS has intensified its presence, focusing particularly on the displaced populations who have increasingly voiced concerns over their safety and uncertain future.
“We recognize through our engagements with the communities and displaced persons that they have concerns about their safety and their future,” said Christine Fossen, the UNMISS Police Commissioner. “As United Nations police, we have engaged with the communities, actively patrolling, being present in the areas, with the aim to help them feel safer.”
A Fragile Peace at Risk
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has long struggled with political instability and conflict. The peace process appeared to be making significant progress after the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and a ceasefire in 2018. These efforts had led to a period of relative stability, with UNMISS overseeing the protection of displaced persons and playing a critical role in peacekeeping operations.
By 2020, the UN transitioned most displacement sites, which had been under its protection for seven years, into conventional camps managed by the South Sudanese government. This was seen as a sign of progress as the country moved towards greater stability and self-sufficiency. However, the recent uptick in violence has raised serious questions about the durability of the peace process.
The resurgence of clashes between the forces of President Salva Kiir and those aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar has created fresh fears of a return to the civil war that ravaged the country between 2013 and 2018. The escalating violence has left many vulnerable populations exposed, including the tens of thousands of displaced persons living in camps under UNMISS protection.
Increased Threats to Displaced Communities
The displacement camps, once a refuge for those fleeing violence, have become increasingly insecure as tensions between the government and opposition factions have intensified. As fighting spreads across South Sudan, many of those living in the camps fear for their lives, particularly as clashes between armed groups grow more frequent.
In response, UNMISS has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of displaced persons. Peacekeepers are now conducting regular patrols and engaging directly with the communities in an effort to provide reassurance and maintain order in the camps. The heightened security measures are a response to the worsening political and military situation, which has destabilized much of the country.
“We are committed to supporting the South Sudanese people as they work toward peace and security,” said Fossen. “Our presence in these communities is essential in maintaining peace and providing a sense of safety for those most at risk.”
The Growing Threat of Conflict
The situation in South Sudan has become increasingly volatile as both sides of the peace agreement have accused each other of violating ceasefire terms. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), led by President Kiir, have clashed with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), the faction led by Machar. These clashes have spread across several regions, exacerbating the already fragile peace.
Although the 2018 peace agreement led to the formation of a transitional government of national unity, tensions between Kiir and Machar remain high. The political rivalry between the two leaders has contributed to the ongoing instability, with both sides struggling to meet key provisions of the agreement, such as the formation of a unified national army.
As the violence intensifies, international observers fear that South Sudan could be on the brink of a new civil war. The UNMISS’s continued presence in the country is seen as a critical factor in preventing further escalation, with the peacekeepers acting as a stabilizing force amid the growing chaos.
Challenges of Peacekeeping in a Fragile Environment
While UNMISS has made significant efforts to protect civilians and support peacebuilding, the mission faces numerous challenges in a country plagued by political divisions and armed conflict. Despite the progress made in the peace process over the past few years, the underlying issues that fueled South Sudan’s civil war remain unresolved. Ethnic and political tensions continue to divide the country, while both the government and opposition forces have been accused of committing human rights abuses.
The UNMISS, operating under the mandate of the United Nations, faces the daunting task of maintaining peace and security in an environment where trust in the government is limited, and armed groups remain active. The mission’s ability to protect displaced persons and prevent further violence is critical, but its resources and personnel are stretched thin.
In addition to its peacekeeping efforts, the UNMISS has also been involved in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. The displacement camps themselves have become overwhelmed with the growing number of people seeking refuge from violence, making it increasingly difficult to provide adequate services and protection.
Looking Ahead: Can Peace Be Sustained?
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with the country teetering on the edge of renewed conflict. As tensions rise and violence spreads, the role of the UNMISS becomes even more vital. The mission’s increased patrols and engagement with displaced communities are essential in maintaining stability, but the broader peace process must also be strengthened.
The South Sudanese government and opposition factions must find common ground and work together to implement the terms of the 2018 peace agreement fully. Without meaningful progress in the peace process, the risk of a return to civil war remains high.
For now, UNMISS peacekeepers continue their tireless efforts to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further bloodshed. The international community remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s fragile peace, but the road ahead is uncertain. As the situation evolves, the focus must remain on ensuring the safety and security of those most affected by the conflict. Only through sustained efforts can South Sudan hope to avoid the devastating consequences of renewed civil war.
