By Hou Akot Hou
Acting governor for Northern Bahr El Ghazal state, Tong Lual Ayat has hailed United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers for making the world a peaceful place to live.
The acting governor, made the remark during celebration of the International Peacekeepers’ Day in Aweil under the theme; “Peace Begins with me.”
He described the role of UN peacekeepers in the work of the UN around the world as deterrent forces and that the world can’t be much safer without their roles.
“As government of the state, we know the role you men and women in uniforms have played during the conflicts that occurred in our country. You are doing a great work around the world since 1940s” he said.
Tong said the UNMISS has done a lot in the country, and they are seen as brothers and sisters of South Sudanese.
Meanwhile, the acting head of UNMSS, Alfred Zulu appreciated the government officials who attended the occasion, for their welcoming hearts and solidarity to the peacekeeping forces in the region.
Zulu recalled and paid tribute to many men and women who have died in the cause of their duties in peacekeeping mission.
“Many forces in South Sudan have parish. In 1951, UN lost the secretary General on a plane crash in Congo while on travel to New York. That is why we commemorate the colleagues,” he recalled.
Mr. Zulu noted that, “the government of South Sudan has been working hard with UNMISS to keep peace.”
The government officials expressed their commitment to supporting the UNMISS mandate in the state and do more on issues of governance, rule of law and civil affairs.