Residents in Akoc in Warrap State’s Twic County have not been spoiled by visitors from afar lately. In fact, heavy flooding has left them cut off from others for almost six months, with their humanitarian situation having deteriorated as a result.
“It’s been relatively calm here over the last few months, so floods wreaking havoc are our main concern. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced as they have no way of repairing their houses and resume their livelihoods,” says payam (administrative division) administrator Tong Lual Wol.
He was talking to an aviation patrol team made up of military and civilian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, who made the flight to assess the security and humanitarian situation in the area.
Residents fear that tensions may arise when the rainy season begins and nomadic people from Sudan leave Twic County.
“There are usually some disturbances before they depart,” says local youth leader Madut Mawein. “That is why we appreciate the peacekeeping mission’s efforts to bring us all together to talk. Communication instills confidence in us,” he adds.
The women who have stayed in Akoc rather than look for better opportunities elsewhere are concerned about teachers not being paid, thus jeopardizing the education of the community’s boys and girls. They are, however, taking initiatives to improve their own lot.
“We have become inspired by the work the peacekeeping mission puts in to empower women in South Sudan. As a result, our women operate a small business in the local market, growing vegetables for sale,” says Riak Loul Mayulo, Chairlady of the community’s women’s group. “I hope the government and development partners can construct better roads that will allow us to keep going when the rainy season begins, otherwise we will become isolated, and it won’t be feasible.”
While Roda Sube, a Gender Affairs Officer serving with UNMISS in Kuajok, is happy with the efforts of her sisters in Akoc, she also urged community leaders to increase women’s political representation and participation in decision-making processes.
South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement stipulates that women should be given at least 35 per cent of all politically appointed posts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
