Sept 4, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has began to withdraw its troops from the Protection of Civilians Sites in the country, U.N. special representative, David Shearer, told reporters today in the capital, Juba.
Speaking to media, David. Shearer said the threat that forced civilians into IDPs camps across the country over the past seven years no longer exist although over 180, 000 civilians are still sheltering in the overcrowded U.N. Camps.
“For the scores of thousands still sheltering in the crowded U.N. camps, any threats that existed a few years ago are no longer in existence today,” U.N. special representative David Shearer said.
Shearer confirmed that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has started withdrawing the peacekeepers from the POCs today saying that South Sudan government will take over the leadership of the remaining civilians.
The peacekeepers that are being withdrawn will be relocated to hotpots that are experiencing inter-communal violence, notably Jonglei state and Pibor administrative area.
According to the U.N. report, the civilians are not being forced to vacate the camps but they are being told that the government will take over responsibility for their security.
The U.N. has began withdrawing troops from Wau and Bor towns and it will soon withdraw troops from Juba, Malakal, Bentitu and other camps.
At the time of this report, U.N. has not provided a timeline for this process and it remains unclear how soon the UNMISS will hand over their responsibilities to South Sudan government.
Although South Sudan is enjoying a temporary peace for the first time in seven year, the warring parties, which are currently in Juba have not implemented the security arrangement that is most needed to restore confidence in the internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes.
South Sudan conflict has killed over 400, 0000 people and displaced over 4 millions people within the span of less than 7 years.
A peace agreement that was signed in September 2018 to restore peace and stability is yet to gain momentum, however, the politicians are giving assurances that progresses are being made.
