Since last year, intercommunal conflict between the Pakam and Luanyjang communities from Rumbek North in Lakes state and Tonj East in Warrap state respectively, have led to killings, abductions, cattle raids, and displacement.

To enhance civilian security and protection, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) established a temporary base in Maper last month, a strategic location in Lakes, some 16 kilometers from shared borders with neighbouring Unity and Warrap.

“This temporary base is necessary because it helps our peacekeepers engage with communities and deter violence through regular patrols,” revealed Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Force Commander, who visited the site last week.

While on the ground, Force Commander Subramanian interacted with local authorities, South Sudanese uniformed personnel and 120 Nepalese peacekeepers currently stationed here. 

“We had been actively conducting short- and long-distance patrols in and around Maper since border conflicts began to rise, but given longstanding communal grievances, we felt that our protection efforts would be more impactful if we established a temporary presence here,” stated the Lieutenant-General.

“We will also be able to help create conditions conducive for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to people who need it the most,” he added, while calling on authorities and communities in the area to build synergies with Blue Helmets.

“As a peacekeeping mission, we are committed to keeping civilians caught in such cyclical violence safe, but there must be collective efforts to address the root causes of conflict between neighbouring states, particularly as South Sudan approaches elections,” he averred.

Peacebuilding is another key aspect that local authorities are hoping will be boosted through this temporary presence. 

“We are optimistic that this base will help our government to facilitate peace activities and enable peace partners to move freely,” said Samuel Mabor Deng, County Commissioner of Rumbek North.

Community members too are relieved thanks to the presence of UNMISS peacekeepers.

“Our main concern is that all routes are very insecure at night. So, I hope as our peacekeeping friends from UNMISS get used to the terrain in and around Maper, their daily patrols will slowly make roads safe for all of us at all times,” stated Chol Achiek, a Maper resident.

For Major Kumar Gurung, the Commanding Officer of the UNMISS temporary base, it has been a warm welcome from communities living here.

“We were quick to begin town patrols and have extended our reach to numerous payams [administrative divisions] across Rumbek North county. Road conditions continue to make movement difficult but we are determined to protect everybody to the best of our ability. Local communities have been very supportive in our first two weeks here,” he said.

The Maper temporary operating base became operational on 15 March 2024 upon request by the Government of South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

On March 25, Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong – U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, overseeing the Department’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy –  launched the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Nursing Leadership Initiative to sustain gains and accelerate progress toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Under the initiative, PEPFAR is providing $8 million in 2024 to support nurses at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS response in Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia.

In these seven partner countries, the initiative invests in activities that will:

Enhance nurses’ skillsets to lead planning and delivery of HIV/AIDS services to curb disruptions in access to essential HIV services;
Help nurses to identify, advocate for, and leverage innovative digital solutions to enhance quality HIV service delivery;
Protect nurses by enhancing their infection prevention and control skills, providing supportive work environments, and supporting mental health needs;
Invest in the development, retention, and equitable distribution of the nursing workforce, aligned with each country’s national priorities, to ensure long-term sustainability of HIV service delivery; and
Enhance nurses’ communication and leadership skillsets.

PEPFAR implementing partners will also support partner nursing organizations in the seven initiative countries to undertake a needs assessment to guide initiative activities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Head of Mission, Ambassador Kingsford Amoako, on 28th March, 2024, led a team from the Mission including Mr. Obed N.Y. Sarpong, Mr. Richard Sackitey, Mrs Rebecca Fordjour, Mr. Michael Dzamesi, Mr. Perez Agbetiameh; and, officials of the Liberia Immigration Service, led by Deputy Commissioner General N. Dickson Tamba, and the Joint Security in Marshall, for a consular visit to Marshall in Margibi County. The Head of Mission paid courtesy calls on the Mayor of Marshall and members of the Marshall City Hall, and the Joint Security team comprising the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Immigration Service. During the visit, Amb. Amoako assured the Ghanaian Community of his full support and promised to work towards ensuring that their stay in Liberia is regularised and prosperous. He informed that the Mission is actively working to ensure that issues surrounding acquisition of land by Ghanaians in Liberia, high fishing licenses paid by fisherfolk, and harassment of Ghanaians by the immigration are addressed. The Liberia Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalisation, Atty N. Tamba, assured the Community that all Ghanaians living on Liberian soil enjoy the full protection of the Government of Liberia. He intimated that Liberian law required that while the Liberian Government has a responsibility to protect all, Ghanaian Communities have a duty to abide by the law. To ensure that the processes for regularising their stay are smooth, the LIS is working closely with the Embassy of Ghana in Monrovia to register community members to aid them in regularising their stay. According to Atty Tamba, the LIS is committed to the ECOWAS protocols that protect all West Africans and respects the protocols which guarantee the stay of Ghanaians in Liberia. He, therefore, encouraged all to live peacefully. Concluding, he asserted that migration is as old as humanity, and therefore, the presence of Ghanaians in Liberia is evidence that the country is welcoming to all West Africans. He also cautioned the Joint Security officials in Marshall and Margibi County to comply with the laws and show respect, dignity and kindness to all Ghanaians in the country. In the spirit of reciprocity, he urged the Joint Security to treat Ghanaians resident in Liberia as they would want how Liberians in Ghana to be treated. Speaking at the gathering, the LNP Commander, Abraham Karyouway, encouraged the community to cooperate with the police for effective policing in the community. In his part, the Deputy County Commander, Jefferson P. Tamba, urged the Community to abide by the ECOWAS protocols for a peaceful stay in Liberia. Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian Community, the Chief Fisherman, Peter Kwesi, thanked His Excellency Amoako and his staff for taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and progress of the community. He expressed the Community’s appreciation for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s efforts by writing to President Boakai on their behalf. He indicated that they were hopeful many of their issues will be resolved following the consular visit of the Mission.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Ghana in Liberia.

The Ghana Embassy in Monrovia on 29th March, 2024, held a mentorship program for the final year students of John Kofi Asmah United Methodist High School at the Residence of the Head of Mission, Ambassador Kingsford Amoako. The two-hour programme entailed motivational sessions by seven (7) speakers, including the South African Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, H.E Prof. Iquabal Jhazbhay; Consul-General of the Republic of Belgium to Liberia, Mr. Wael Hariz; Country Manager of Cathlic Relief Services, Ms. Abena Amedormey; CEO of Karish Eye Care, Dr. Catherine S. Gaisie; Country Manager for Groupe Nduom Liberia, Mr. Ambrose Houphouet; President of the Ghanaian Professionals Association, Mr. Eric Ellington Agyedenah, and Mr. George Idun-Sam; consultant. Opening the session, Ambassador Amoako intimated that children were the key to success of any country and charged the students to use the opportunity they were receiving as a boost to perform very well in the West Africa examinations to make Liberia proud. Making further remarks, Ambassador Kingsford Amoako, emphasized that the students should endeavor to make excellent grades to enable them qualify for scholarships and support from benevolent donors. He told them that textbooks for their courses will be provided by himself and the Inspirational Speakers, adding that extra classes has also been paid for to ensure their success in the upcoming WASSCE examinations. He cautioned the students against what they put on social media because it can hinder them from attaining opportunities in future. The South African Ambassador, H.E Prof. Iquabal Jhazbhay, who spoke after Ambassador Amoako, touched on the importance of education in all aspects of life. He cited Nelson Mandela’s statement that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. He, therefore, advised the students that in order to excel in their upcoming WASSCE examinations, they should exercise patience, discipline and hard work. The Consul General, Mr. Wael Hariz, on his part, stated that future success is not determined by where someone is located but rather their actions and decisions. He encouraged the students to see education as the key to a bright future. He added that with perseverance and resilience the students can achieve their goals in life. Dr. Catherine S. Gaisie called on the students should set high standards, because they are competing in the world not just in Liberia and advised the them to choose careers they have passion for. President of the Ghanaian Professional Association, Mr. Eric Ellington Agyedenah, charged to students to show determination and discipline, as these values can enable them achieve good grades. According to Ms. Abena Amedormey, what the students believe about themselves is the most important, not the negative comments from society. She urged the students to prepare very well for the WASSCE examination and desist from spending undue hours on social media. Mr. Georg Idun-Sam, discussions consultant, stated that the students should pursue knowledge that will enable them to have an advantage in life to secure good jobs in future and encouraged them to learn a second international language such as French. The CEO of Kendeja Resorts, Mr. Ambrose Houphouet, said the students must take their studies seriously, urging them not to forget to seek Gods favor to be assured of a successful future. H.E Kingsford Amoako together with the other dignitaries presented textbooks to the Principal of John Kofi Asmah United Methodist High School, Rev. Jame Fogbeh, on behalf of the school. H.E Kingsford Amoako acknowledged the financial contributions of H.E Prof. Iquabal Jhazbhay, Mr. Wael Hariz and Mr. Ambrose Houphouet. Mr. George Idun-Sam of the Ghanaian professionals group also pledged to provide scholarship opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Ghana in Liberia.