Media Home
UN Web TV
UN Audiovisual Library
UN PhotoSOUTH SUDAN / MALAKAL POC HANDOVER
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN /MALAKAL POC HANDOVER
TRT: 05:25
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH /ARABIC / NATS
DATELINE: 13 FEBRUARY 2026, MALAKAL, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, aerial views of Protection of Civilians site (POC)
2. Med shot, POC street with Internally Displaced People (IDPs) moving around
3. Wide shot, pan left, POC
4. Med shot, UNMISS Patrol moving through POC
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Adam Ajak, Paramount Chief and Malakal Community Leader:
“In the past, when there were no crises, people were self-sufficient. The problem has been floodwaters on the farming land. There was flooding all over. Most of the displaced people here came from the surrounding villages, due to insecurity and floods, and some who were in Malakal are refugees in Sudan, and I can say that these people have to stay here for a while.”
6. Various shots, POC
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Graham Maitland, Acting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Political Affairs:
“Allow me to reaffirm that the Government remains the primary duty bearer for POC [protection of civilians], UNMISS intervenes only when civilians come under threat of physical violence and there are no viable alternative protective measures in place. Therefore, the Government will take full responsibility under its sovereign obligations to protect civilians following the redesignation of this POC site.”
8. Various shots, women selling fish in the POC
9. Wide shot, Michael Obech at his business
10. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Michael Obech, Businessman and protection site resident:
“It is not bad because we are in a congested area and it is good for us because people move in and out of POC to town and other areas for business purposes. Unfortunately, people encounter insecurity outside the camp, so people don’t yet see any guarantees. Therefore, if the government wants to take over this settlement, there is no problem, but they must provide security to the citizens, it’s their responsibility.”
11. Various shots, signing ceremony
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Deng Akuei Kak, Deputy Upper Nile Governor:
“The time has come for rebuilding, restoration and reclaiming our normal lives. Development cannot fully take place while our people remain in temporary protection sites. Progress requires stability within our towns, villages and counties. Let me assure you that the Government of Upper Nile State is fully committed to protecting every citizen without discrimination. The responsible for security now rests with our institutions and we are determined to uphold law and order by all legal and necessary means. The safety and dignity of our people remain our highest priority.”
13. Various shots, Delegation touring a facility that is being handed over
When civil war erupted in South Sudan in 2013, hundreds of thousands of people fled for their lives, seeking sanctuary at United Nations peacekeeping bases across the country. After providing emergency protection to those in imminent danger, the mission later established United Nations Protection of Civilians sites, which provided security and access for humanitarians to support vulnerable families. Over the years, displaced families continued to arrive the sites due to conflict as well as natural disasters.
Adam Ajak, Paramount Chief and Malakal Community Leader said, “In the past, when there were no crises, people were self-sufficient. The problem has been floodwaters on the farming land. There was flooding all over. Most of the displaced people here came from the surrounding villages, due to insecurity and floods, and some who were in Malakal are refugees in Sudan, and I can say that these people have to stay here for a while.”
As security improved after the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018, these sites were gradually transitioned into settlement areas under the management and protection of the Government. The only remaining camp under UN oversight in Malakal, Upper Nile, was officially handed over on 13 February 2026.
Graham Maitland, Acting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs said, “Allow me to reaffirm that the Government remains the primary duty bearer for POC [protection of civilians], UNMISS intervenes only when civilians come under threat of physical violence and there are no viable alternative protective measures in place. Therefore, the Government will take full responsibility under its sovereign obligations to protect civilians following the redesignation of this POC site.”
Around 40,000 people live in the settlement, moving freely between the camp and the town. Among them is 69-year-old businessman, Michael Obech, who has lived at the site for 13-years. He’s comfortable with the transition but wants assurances that security will continue to be provided.
Michael Obech, Businessman and protection site resident, shared, “It is not bad because we are in a congested area and it is good for us because people move in and out of POC to town and other areas for business purposes. Unfortunately, people encounter insecurity outside the camp, so people don’t yet see any guarantees. Therefore, if the government wants to take over this settlement, there is no problem, but they must provide security to the citizens, it’s their responsibility.”
The handover process has been conducted in a careful, coordinated manner, with safety of residents remaining a top priority. While risks remain given the volatile situation in South Sudan, the Government is promising to care for the displaced communities and help them rebuild their lives.
Deng Akuei Kak, Deputy Upper Nile Governor, said, “The time has come for rebuilding, restoration and reclaiming our normal lives. Development cannot fully take place while our people remain in temporary protection sites. Progress requires stability within our towns, villages and counties. Let me assure you that the Government of Upper Nile State is fully committed to protecting every citizen without discrimination. The responsible for security now rests with our institutions and we are determined to uphold law and order by all legal and necessary means. The safety and dignity of our people remain our highest priority.”
At this milestone moment, the hope is that the handover signals a new beginning, a chance for these communities who have suffered for far too long to leave painful memories behind, replace conflict with reconciliation, and division with unity.
