The United Nations Secretary-General for South Sudan, and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho. (AMISOM Photo / Mukhtar Nuur)

The Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has warned that peace in the country cannot survive without genuine political compromise and an immediate end to hostilities.

Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers in Juba on Friday, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said peace “does not happen by chance” but requires commitment, dialogue, and continuous investment.

The event was held under the global theme “Invest in Peace.”

Gbeho said South Sudan’s leaders must choose dialogue over division and work collectively to prevent the country from sliding deeper into conflict.

“It is so important that South Sudan’s leaders resolve differences through inclusive dialogue and political compromise and cease all hostilities in order to deliver the peace their people so richly deserve,” she said.

Her remarks come amid growing insecurity in several parts of the country, including renewed violence and displacement affecting thousands of civilians.

The UNMISS chief said conflict continues to inflict suffering on communities across South Sudan, with many people killed and millions displaced from their homes.

Despite mounting challenges, including financial constraints affecting UN peacekeeping operations globally, she said UN peacekeepers remain committed to protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian operations.

Gbeho revealed that peacekeepers recently provided sanctuary to more than 2,300 civilians under live gunfire in Abiemnhom and are continuing patrols by land, air, and river to deter violence.

She added that UNMISS is also supporting mobile courts across the country to improve access to justice for victims of crime.

The UN official emphasized that investing in peace is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation, cohesion, and sustained commitment from leaders and citizens alike.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29 to honor peacekeepers serving in conflict zones around the world, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.