UN peacekeepers at Juba International Airport in 2014 | Photo | UN

The Minister of Cabinet Affairs has welcomed the dismissal of the UNMISS force commander, Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Dr Martin Elia Lomoro told Eye Radio that the sacking has proven the previous reports of the mission’s failure to discharge its mandate of protecting civilians.

“The Secretary-General of the UN has acted…correctly, but I hope he would also tell the world that yes this has proven that UNMISS has failed to do what it is supposed to do,” Dr Lomoro stated.

“We hope that they can now bring a commander who will be cooperative and understanding in order to rebuild the confidence that has lost between the UNMISS and government of South Sudan.”

The spokesperson of Dr Riek Machar also said the change would contribute to confidence building among the vulnerable people.

In a press statement, James Gatdet says the mission failed to protect civilians during the crises in Juba and other parts of the country.

The UN’s confirmation of the failure of the mission followed criticism about its role during the killing of civilians at its camp in Malakal in February.

The findings on the mission’s failure to protect civilians during violence in Juba in July also confirm previous reports by the rights group Amnesty International and the Center for Civilians in Conflict.