 discusses plans to close its Torit field office and relocate operations to Juba.){kind=link}
By Obiala Angel
The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State has urged citizens to strengthen peace among themselves as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) discusses plans to close its Torit field office and relocate operations to Juba.
Hon. Louis Lobong Lojore explained that the decision by UNMISS and other partners to downsize operations is linked to the global economic crisis caused by ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world.
The governor further disclosed that the World Food Programme (WFP) has also informed the state government of plans to close its office in Kapoeta, calling on citizens to seize the opportunity to cultivate land and increase food production.
“People are saying UNMISS is closing; however, they clarified that this will also happen in other parts of the country. I have seen a letter from WFP indicating that they are closing their Kapoeta office. People should not worry they will continue operating from Juba, but due to global conflicts, resources are limited. So, let us use this opportunity to build peace among ourselves.”
Governor Lobong also urged citizens to refrain from criminal activities and protect themselves to promote peaceful coexistence.
“One of UNMISS’s mandates is to protect civilians but can’t we protect ourselves? Why should we depend on others to protect us? Let us cultivate our land. For instance, if the Toposa community lacks food, they can bring their animals to exchange for sorghum or maize from Magwi or other parts of the state or even cultivate and harvest food themselves.”
The governor welcomed UNMISS and humanitarian workers in the state to engage in agriculture as a means of livelihood.
“Some humanitarian agencies, including UNMISS, are closing their offices because of funding shortages. I have spoken with them about reducing staff costs, especially since the salary of one national staff in Juba could employ twenty local workers in the state. Of course, leadership changes are difficult, but I welcome them to come and cultivate with us we will survive.”
The statement was made during a multi-stakeholder dialogue on land, natural resource–based conflicts, and pastoral issues organized by FAO Torit Field Office, in collaboration with the State and National Ministry of Peacebuilding, and supported by the European Union in Torit on Thursday.