South Sudan celebrates International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
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South Sudan honors UN peacekeepers with football, speeches, and remembrance on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
South Sudan Marks International Day of UN Peacekeepers with Call for Lasting Peace
South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State commemorated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Monday with a series of events that underscored the role of peacekeepers in restoring and sustaining peace in the conflict-affected region.
The celebrations began with a friendly football match between UN peacekeepers and a local women’s team—symbolizing unity, collaboration, and the importance of building peaceful ties with communities.
Acting Governor James Severino paid tribute to the long-standing presence of the UN peacekeeping force, emphasizing their vital role in stabilizing the area of Tambura, which has experienced severe violence and insecurity.
“We have seen the presence of peacekeepers for over ten years. We worked together, we fought together, to ensure that relative peace comes to Tambura. Thank you, peacekeepers, for protecting our civilians,” Severino said.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been instrumental in promoting peace in the country, which has endured civil conflict and intercommunal violence since gaining independence in 2011. Over 18,000 peacekeepers from 75 countries are currently deployed under the UNMISS banner, working to prevent renewed conflict and support the path toward free, fair, and credible elections.
Emmanuel Dukundane, a Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS, reiterated the UN’s commitment to peacebuilding:
“We express our commitment to continue with this partnership and collaboration to ensure that we have sustainable peace in the State.”
Honoring the Fallen
The event also served as a solemn remembrance for the peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Since the founding of UNMISS in 2011, 145 peacekeepers have died while serving in South Sudan.
Wakila Charles, Speaker of the Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly, called on leaders and citizens alike to reflect on the sacrifices made by peacekeepers and to take personal responsibility for peace:
“Our brothers have laid down their lives for the sake of peace. Ask yourself—am I in peace in my home? If peace starts with me, then my home, my community, and the State will also be peaceful.”
Western Equatoria has been a flashpoint for violence, but events like this aim to de-escalate tensions, foster unity, and empower communities to embrace peace at all levels.
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