SOUTH SUDAN / MALAKAL PEACEBUILDING FORUM

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) transported County Commissioners from across the region to attend a special forum in Malakal, focused on conflict-resolution and improving cooperation. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:03:07
• Production Date: 16 September 2025
• Asset Language: English; Arabic
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3447431
• Parent Id: 3447431
• Alternate Title: unifeed250916d

Description

STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / MALAKAL PEACEBUILDING FORUM
TRT: 03:07
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / ARABIC / NATS

DATELINE: 09 SEPTEMBER 2025, MALAKAL, UPPER NILE STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

1. Various shots, displaced communities on the western bank of the Nile and peacekeepers protection
2. SOUNDBITE (English) James Gatwech Jok, Nasir County Commissioner:
“In fact, the situation in Nasir [was] that many people ran away from the conflict that happened in Nasir, now they came back, and they are facing difficulties; there is no shelter. Other things like food items are not there inside Nasir town and in other areas, some payams received dropped [by air] food but they don’t have non-food items. Many lost their tukuls, there is no shelter, no cooking materials, and plastic bags for carrying water, all these things are not available.”
3. Various shots, county commissioners’ peacebuilding forum in Malakal
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jimmy Okumu, Civil Affairs Officer, UNMISS:
“Conflicts are there, misunderstandings are there, differences are, but there is only one way [forward]: having dialogue. To sit down and identify those issues that we are facing as communities, come up with solutions and strive for a better South Sudan, and strive for peace.”
5. Various shots, the meeting
6 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Justin Nhial Batoang, Ulang County Commissioner:
“We are suggesting that people living in lowland areas should relocate to higher ground to protect their lives. Additionally, we urge both the humanitarian organizations, state and national government to provide support to the communities along the eastern side of the Sobat River.”
7. Various shots, floods affecting communities

Storyline

As South Sudan grapples with a deteriorating political and security situation, millions of people continue to suffer from persistent violence, dire economic conditions and climate shocks, including extreme flooding. Communities in Upper Nile have been among the worst hit, with tens of thousands displaced by conflict, including aerial bombardments. While some are beginning to return, they continue to face huge challenges.

James Gatwech Jok, Nasir County Commissioner said, “In fact, the situation in Nasir [was] that many people ran away from the conflict that happened in Nasir, now they came back, and they are facing difficulties; there is no shelter. Other things like food items are not there inside Nasir town and in other areas, some payams received dropped [by air] food but they don’t have non-food items. Many lost their tukuls, there is no shelter, no cooking materials, and plastic bags for carrying water, all these things are not available.”

Local authorities play a vital role in helping to restore security, reconcile communities and build peace. To support their efforts, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) transported County Commissioners from across the region to attend a special forum in Malakal, focused on conflict-resolution and improving cooperation.

Jimmy Okumu, Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS said, “Conflicts are there, misunderstandings are there, differences are, but there is only one way [forward]: having dialogue. To sit down and identify those issues that we are facing as communities, come up with solutions and strive for a better South Sudan, and strive for peace.”

Participants discussed ways to boost local economies and support those affected by conflict and flooding.

Justin Nhial Batoang, Ulang County Commissioner, said, “We are suggesting that people living in lowland areas should relocate to higher ground to protect their lives. Additionally, we urge both the humanitarian organizations, state and national government to provide support to the communities along the eastern side of the Sobat River.”

While the people of Upper Nile are known for their resilience, the cocktail of challenges they face, including conflict, poverty, and year-on-year flooding, seems overwhelming. The political leaders are calling for more support from the Government and international community to recover, rebuild and enjoy the better future they deserve.