Shearer signs off as UNMISS boss, hails peace progress

“As I said when I came to South Sudan, our success will be measured by the downsizing of our presence.’’ That was the comment by the outgoing South Sudan Special Representative, the Secretary-General and head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer (pictured) as he addressed the media for the last time in Juba on Tuesday, March 6.

Shearer added that there were plans to scale down the UNMISS troops by seven per cent, emphasising that such would be the measure of success into returning the country to normalcy.

With his four-year term coming to an end, Mr Shearer went down the memory lane to reminisce his stay in South Sudan and the achievements he made with the mission.

He stated, “I have been extremely privileged to support South Sudan as it makes the difficult transition from war to recovery and peace. As my four years of service comes to an end, I am proud of the progress that has been made, including the ceasefire, peace deal, formation of a transitional Government and the installation of local leaders in the states.”

“I am also pleased and encouraged to see that most people who once fled in fear to UN Protection of Civilians sites have either returned home or are living in newly transitioned displacement camps under the responsibility of the South Sudanese Government,” he then added.

Shearer thanked the South Sudanese people for their unwavering support to the mission saying a good number of citizens supported the course of peace.

“I have so much admiration for the South Sudanese who I have enjoyed working alongside immensely. They are tough, resilient, and remarkably patient. I am inspired by their seemingly endless hope as they fight against huge odds to achieve the much brighter future they deserve,” Shearer stated.

“I urge the people and leaders of South Sudan to remain united and energized to push the peace process forward to fully implement the revitalized agreement and hold elections so communities across the country can finally enjoy true peace and prosperity.’’

2018 peace deal

He said that the UN was committed to seeing out total implementation of the 2018 peace agreement so that South Sudan can establish all the organs of governance. He touched on the judicial system and national security as key areas that they are devoted to ensure that they succeed.

“We are redeploying staff and resources to build the capacity of important local institutions, including the courts, the justice system and the national police, and prioritising technical support for security sector reform as well as the election process. Protection is best done through fair and effective rule of law,” he stated.

He commended the humanitarian workers for relinquishing their comfort and working in interior of places to ensure that South Sudanese people in dire need get assistance.

 “Humanitarians are working in remote, difficult and, sometimes dangerous conditions to deliver much-needed support to vulnerable communities across South Sudan. I thank them for their courage in risking their own health and wellbeing to help others.”