UNMISS Announces Closure of Torit Field Office

By Kidega Livingstone
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has announced the closure of its field
office in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
The announcement followed a brief meeting between the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State,
Louis Lobong Lojore, and the UN Acting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General,
Anita Kiki Gbeho.
According to a press statement from the Governor’s Office, seen by this outlet on Tuesday,
Gbeho stated that the decision to close the Torit office was driven by a global funding crisis that
has forced UNMISS to reduce its operations in South Sudan by 50 percent.
“Despite the plan for closure, UNMISS is not abandoning Eastern Equatoria State. We will
continue to provide support from our base in Juba,” Gbeho said in the statement.
She added that discussions would soon begin to explore ways for UNMISS and the State
Government to continue collaborating on priority initiatives and maintaining progress in
humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts.
Governor Lobong expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between UNMISS
and the State Government, while acknowledging the difficult global conditions that led to the
Mission’s decision. However, he noted the State had hoped the office would remain operational
until after the upcoming national elections.
The Governor reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation
with UNMISS, emphasizing that the Mission’s departure from Torit is not permanent.
He commended UNMISS for recognizing the progress made in sustaining peace and stability in
Eastern Equatoria through joint efforts between the government and the people.
Governor Lobong also called on citizens to remain calm and patient during the transition period,
assuring them that further communication would follow regarding the closure and continued
collaboration with UNMISS.