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UN PhotoSOUTH SUDAN / YEI RIVER PATROL
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / YEI RIVER PATROL
TRT: 02:58
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 17 AUGUST 2026, JUBA, CENTRAL EQUATORIA, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, students in class
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Winnie Divine Henry Almas, Saint Joseph's Secondary School student, Lutaya:
“It affects most people that we're having. I don't understand if those are the police or other people doing that. You'll find that if you're coming early to school, maybe at around 4 or 3, you'll find some difficulties, because there are some cases where people are killed, gunshots at around 4 or 5, which is exactly the time you'll be coming.”
3. Various shots, people on the street
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Christopher Murenga, UNMISS Head of Central Equatoria Field Office:
“Southern Central Equatoria and Yei River County are part of our mandated area, the areas that we cover. So, we do continuous patrols into the area to understand what the security situation is, understand people's needs, any protection of civilians' concerns, and basically situational awareness, in order to better respond and support the people that we're here to serve.”
5. Various shots, school
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Philip Taban, Yei River County Education Director:
“In fact, there is a high need for schools. As I have said, even construction [was affected] because some infrastructure was destroyed during the crisis. And the students, they are learners now coming up to learn at least, because at least, somehow, there's stability in Yei River County.”
7. Various shots, students
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Elizabeth Charles John, Saint Joseph's Secondary School student, Lutaya
“Simply because we lack teachers who are [well-qualified] or who are well-trained to teach chemistry, and this was really reflected in our performance, which reduces the performance in the class, and this is the challenge that we are facing in terms of the teachers.” My message to the Ministry of Education is that at least they should improve, they should provide our qualified teachers.”
9. Various shots, people and students
For children and teachers in Yei River County, getting to school can be challenging and, at times, dangerous as insecurity along roads disrupts movement and access to essential services. For some students, the journey to school begins before dawn, when insecurity can still pose a serious risk.
Winnie Divine Henry Almas, Saint Joseph's Secondary School student, said, “It affects most people that we're having. I don't understand if those are the police or other people doing that. You'll find that if you're coming early to school, maybe at around 4 or 3, you'll find some difficulties, because there are some cases where people are killed, gunshots at around 4 or 5, which is exactly the time you'll be coming.”
Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan are helping to strengthen confidence and security through a protective presence as they patrol key routes and within communities to create conditions where people can move freely and safely.
Christopher Murenga, UNMISS Head of Central Equatoria Field Office, said: “Southern Central Equatoria and Yei River County are part of our mandated area, the areas that we cover. So, we do continuous patrols into the area to understand what the security situation is, understand people's needs, any protection of civilians' concerns, and basically situational awareness, in order to better respond and support the people that we're here to serve.”
One of the greatest challenges is the devastation caused to critical infrastructure during decades of conflict.
Philip Taban, Yei River County Education Director, shared: “In fact, there is a high need for schools. As I have said, even construction [was affected] because some infrastructure was destroyed during the crisis. And the students, they are learners now coming up to learn at least, because at least, somehow, there's stability in Yei River County.”
The children are certainly eager to learn but worry about the impact of conflict and the dire economic situation on their educational opportunities.
Elizabeth Charles John, another Saint Joseph's Secondary School student, said, “Simply because we lack teachers who are [well-qualified] or who are well-trained to teach chemistry, and this was really reflected in our performance, which reduces the performance in the class, and this is the challenge that we are facing in terms of the teachers. My message to the Ministry of Education is that at least they should improve, they should provide our qualified teachers.”
For UNMISS, securing stability and peace is critical to ensure all communities are protected and all children have the opportunity they deserve to learn and thrive.
