SOUTH SUDAN / UPPER NILE PEACEBUILDING

Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) provide a protective presence for displaced families and residents in Malakal town amidst escalating political tensions and military confrontations in remote areas. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:04:09
• Production Date: 10 June 2025
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS; CIVILIAN PROTECTION
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3406543
• Parent Id: 3406543
• Alternate Title: unifeed250610c

Description

STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / UPPER NILE PEACEBUILDING
TRT: 04:09
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
DATELINE: 09 JUNE 2025, MALAKAL, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

1. Various shots, UN Police patrol and engage with youth and children in POC

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Godfry Sianga, UN Police Advisor:

“Every day in the POC (Protection of Civilians site) we have what we call daily engagements, daily sensitization, with these community watch groups, not only that [but] with other community members, you are able to go at the market and talk to people.”
3. Wide shot, UN police talking to youth community watch group in the POC
4. The other way that we do this is by what we call co-location, this we usually do it on also daily basis with our POC [Protection of Civilians] police post outside. We engage with them, we talk with them, we train them, we also sensitize them.”
5. Various shots, UN police talking to youth community watch group in the POC
6. Various shots, UN Police officer trains youth to play football
7. Various shots, parade ceremony, lowering of flags and laying the wrath for fallen peacekeepers
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Ebikwo, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Malakal:
“For UNMISS, Peace Begins with partnerships, working along regional and international peace partners and the people of South Sudan to lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society.”
9. Wide shot, flags and playing the South Sudan national anthem
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Valarie Kosgei, peacekeeper:
“We remember our fallen heroes who served under the UN flag, and we honor them for that, and this is very important as we use these activities to celebrate and commemorate the event on that day,”
11. Various shots, volleyball match between Rwanda military peacekeepers and Malakal girls’ team

Storyline

Life remains grim for the residents of the United Nations Protection of Civilians site in Malakal as well as communities across the wider Upper Nile region, as political tensions escalate and military confrontations take place in remote areas, including aerial bombardments. The deteriorating security situation brings fears of a relapse back into civil war but also reinforces the importance of the peacekeeping mission in the area.

During these difficult times, peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan provide a protective presence for displaced families as well as residents in Malakal town.

SOUNDBITE (English) Godfry Sianga, UN Police Advisor:
“Every day in the POC [Protection of Civilians site] we have what we call daily engagements, daily sensitization, with these community watch groups, not only that [but] with other community members, you are able to go at the market and talk to people. The other way that we do this is by what we call co-location, this we usually do it on also daily basis with our POC [Protection of Civilians] police post outside. We engage with them, we talk with them, we train them, we also sensitize them.”

The peacekeepers are constantly working to strengthen their relationship with those they serve, including through a shared passion for sport, which is an opportunity to build trust and confidence with youth as well as among the youth from diverse communities.

The importance of partnerships was the primary focus of this year’s commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeeping in Malakal, under the theme “Peace Begins with Me”. This campaign issues a call for every individual to take action, no matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. It encourages us all to celebrate diversity, embrace unity, and ensure every voice is heard in building a nation.

SOUNDBITE(English) Paul Ebikwo, UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Malakal:
“For UNMISS, Peace Begins with partnerships, working along regional and international peace partners and the people of South Sudan to lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society.”

The event provided an opportunity to recognize the contribution of civilian and uniformed peacekeepers from more than 80 countries to the cause of peace in the world’s newest nation, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives serving under the UN flag.

SOUNDBITE (English) Valarie Kosgei, peacekeeper:
“We remember our fallen heroes who served under the UN flag, and we honor them for that, and this is very important as we use these activities to celebrate and commemorate the event on that day.”

Despite the many challenges, hopes for peace persist among communities in Upper Nile as well as among the peacekeepers who do their utmost to serve and protect them.