‘UN ready to deploy Blue Helmets as requested by the opposition, if agreed by all parties’ – Shearer
South Sudan’s main armed opposition leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny (Photo: Supplied)
January 24th, 2020 (SSNN)—The Special Representative of the Sectretary-General and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, David Shearer has said that UNMISS is willing to increase the presence of its patrolling peacekeepers in certain areas, at the request of the opposition, but only if the proposal is approved by all Parties.
“There have been recent requests for UN peacekeepers to be more active in patrolling towns during the roll-out of the newly trained unified forces. Where the UN has the capability to increase its presence to support demilitarization and build confidence, we can do this. But, any change in our deployment should come as a request agreed by all the parties.”
At a briefing on Thursday, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan pointed out that although the Blue Helmets could fill the gap, if necessary, maintaining security in the country remains the primary responsibility of the government.
“And of course, maintaining security and law enforcement will always remain the core responsibility of the government. The UN cannot and will not usurp that role.”
Commenting on the operations of the upcoming Transitional Government, Shearer said, “The transitional agreement will bring together parties to the conflict into one unified government. Naturally, before joining it, each side wants to maximize its own position. The government’s position is more complicated –whether to adopt the identity of a party to the conflict and a signatory to the peace agreement, or whether to act as a government, ruling on behalf of all South Sudanese, supporters and opposition alike.”
Last week, the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-IO proposed the deployment of UN Regional Protection Forces in the country, a proposal the Kiir administration considered a threat.
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