Upper Nile Governor James Odhok meets UNMISS delegation led by Special Representative of the Secretary General. | Photo: Office of Upper Nile Governor/Facebook

Upper Nile State governor has reportedly questioned UNMISS protection mechanisms and demanded an explanation as to how firearms used in the recent violence entered the Malakal PoC.

James Odhok on Wednesday held a face-to-face meeting with the head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom.

According to a statement on the governor’s official Facebook page, Odhok inquired from the UNMISS chief how the firearms found their way into the camp despite the Mission’s strict entry scanning procedures.

“If a gun from an external source reaches inside, you are the ones to be questioned because your security guards protect the parameters,” Odhok is quoted as saying.

“If I may ask the UN police, what is your role if people can kill themselves under your watch?”

Governor Odhok also asked whether UNIMSS held criminals accountable to ensure justice prevails over the crimes.

On June 8, 2023, violence erupted among two displaced communities seeking refuge in the UN administered Protection of Civilians Site – killing at least 20 people dead.

The inter-communal violence had reportedly escalated from a petty fight among women and girls at a water-point.

He then reiterated his government’s call for the handing over of the PoC to the state authorities to maximize the security of the civilians.

In his response, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Nicholas Haysom said there are many drivers behind the communal conflict.

He called for cooperation between the community and UNMISS, stressing that without the collaboration, it would be hard to provide the adequate protection needed for the civilians.

“The Head of UNMISS expressed the mission’s commitment to preventing firearms from entering the PoC by conducting a search to disarm operations at the PoC,” reads part of the Upper Nile government press statement.