In a high-level meeting that could reshape the security landscape of Western Equatoria, Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai and the newly appointed UNMISS Sector South Commander, Brig. ShishirBhardwaj, pledged to work hand in hand to confront insecurity and strengthen civilian protection across the state.
The courtesy visit, held at the Governor’s office in Yambio, came against the backdrop of recent instability in Tombura County, where the temporary withdrawal of UNMISS troops unsettled communities and heightened fears of renewed violence.
Governor Berapai used the meeting to raise pressing concerns about the fragile security situation and the urgent need for sustained international support.
“We shared a very fruitful discussion, and I presented the concerns on the ground, particularly what happened in Tombura County,” Governor Berapai said.
“The new Sector South Commander fully took note and promised a comprehensive report based on his mandate. We assured him that cooperation must prevail to enable us to protect our people and their land.”
The Governor underscored that peace in Western Equatoria is inseparable from broader stability in South Sudan, calling the new partnership with UNMISS “a critical lifeline for communities still recovering from conflict.”
In his maiden statement, Brig. Bhardwaj expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s warm reception and pledged to continue UNMISS’s role as a neutral guarantor of peace and civilian protection.
“I have noted the concerns expressed by the Governor, and I assure him of our full cooperation and coordination,” he said.
“We look forward to strengthening the strong partnership established by my predecessor, because the safety of civilians is at the heart of our mandate.”
Also present at the meeting was Madam Janny Kony, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Western Equatoria, along with senior government officials and departmental heads.
The gathering highlighted the importance of dialogue and joint action at a time when communities remain vulnerable to sporadic violence, displacement, and inter-communal tensions.
Observers say the renewed collaboration between state authorities and UNMISS could provide a decisive boost to restoring trust, preventing conflict, and fostering peace across Western Equatoria.
For communities in Tombura County, where recent instability has caused fear and displacement, the meeting signaled a fresh promise of security.
Local leaders described the development as “a new beginning” for efforts to protect civilians and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Civil society actors also emphasized the importance of turning commitments into tangible results.
They urged both the government and UNMISS to increase patrols, engage communities, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence.
“People need to see real changes on the ground,” one community elder said. “Peace is not words alone it must be backed by action.”
As Western Equatoria continues to navigate post-conflict recovery, the partnership between Governor Berapai and Brig. Bhardwaj is being hailed as a turning point that could bolster security, rebuild public confidence, and lay the groundwork for durable peace across the state and South Sudan.
“The people of Western Equatoria deserve peace and protection,” Governor Berapai concluded. “With the support of UNMISS, we can move closer to ending fear and building a secure future for all.