Peacekeepers from the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) provide security for a convoy from Juba. (October 2017) , Credit: UNMISS
Authorities of Abiemnom West County in Ruweng Administrative Area are appealing for establishment of United Nations Mission in South Sudan base to provide protection to civil population in the area.
Speaking to Abyei FM on Tuesday, the Executive Director of county, James Monychol says they presented their request to UNMISS forces who visited the area on Monday.
“We are in need of UNMISS so it can conduct patrol between Awepiny and Abiemnom and between Kol Ngolnyang and Abiemnom and between Awila and Abiemnom. If they do patrol in these areas, thieves in the forest can fear,” said Monychol.
Monychol, however, says UNMISS’ response is that it cannot have a base in the area but promised to continue carrying out patrols. Efforts to reach UNMISS for a comment were unsuccessful.
The officials believed that having a camp for UN peace keepers in Abiemnom would improve security for civilians and their property.
The Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area William Chol echoed his colleague, saying patrols alone are not enough.
Cattle raiding, and road ambushes involving loss of lives are common incidents in this area.