, through its South Korean peacekeeping contingent, has donated a fully equipped speedboat to the government of Jonglei State to strengthen its emergency response to floods and improve riverine security.){kind=link}
By: Otto|CRN |26 May 2025
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), through its South Korean peacekeeping contingent, has donated a fully equipped speedboat to the government of Jonglei State to strengthen its emergency response to floods and improve riverine security.
The handover, which took place last week, marks a significant boost to the state’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, especially as Jonglei continues to grapple with recurring flooding and growing insecurity along the Nile River.
Geetha Pious, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Bor, emphasized the importance of the donation.
“This speedboat will enable the government to conduct faster evacuations, deliver aid to isolated communities, and mediate conflicts along riverbanks,” said Pious. “It is a critical asset in responding to the unique challenges of this region.”
The donation was made possible by the South Korean peacekeepers, who identified the urgent need for better mobility during emergencies and committed to funding the acquisition of the speedboat. The vessel is outfitted with emergency equipment to support rescue, medical, and security operations.
The Secretary General of the Jonglei State Government, Kur Ayuen Kou, welcomed the gesture, noting its transformative impact.
“What we are witnessing today is not just the donation of a boat, but the strengthening of a vital partnership,” he said. “This speedboat is more than a vessel—it is a lifeline for our people during times of floods, insecurity, and health emergencies.”
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the speedboat in improving access to remote areas, especially during the rainy season when roads become impassable.
The donation is part of UNMISS’s broader mandate to support South Sudan in achieving long-term peace and stability through capacity-building, infrastructure development, and strengthening community resilience.
Last year, over 150,000 people in Jonglei State were displaced by devastating floods that submerged entire villages.
Many residents were left stranded for months without food, clean water, medical supplies, or a means of evacuation, underscoring the urgent need for reliable emergency transport like the newly donated speedboat.