UNMISS Security Operations and Peace Restoration in Malakal, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of Security Operations conducted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on peace restoration in Malakal, Upper Nile State of South Sudan. The UNMISS Security Operations, in the context of post-conflict Malakal, contributed to restoring peace in Malakal by way of protecting civilians, patrolling, de-escalating conflict and coordinating with local authorities. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design gathered data from 92 respondents consisting of UNMISS personnel, government officials, community leaders and displaced persons. Quantitative data were collected by way of a structured questionnaire and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants. Findings suggest that UNMISS Security Operations in Malakal were effective in maintaining security, reducing violence, protecting displaced persons and providing humanitarian access. The mean composite score was = 3.87 (SD = 0.64) which the researchers consider satisfactory. The results signify a significant positive relationship (r = 0.529, p = 0.002) between peace-building/peace restoration and UNMISS Security Operations, as part of the Pearson correlation analyses. The regression analysis also showed that security operations were a statistically significant predictor of peace restoration assessments (β = 0.364, p <0.001, R² = 0.280), shown a strong correlation between perceived improved security and perceived stability, and community trust or confidence. The findings from this study have demonstrated that specific activities within the UNMISS security operations yielded a positive impact on peace restoration in Malakal. However, to entrench what appears to be a temporary peace dividend and improve stabilisation, ongoing, sustained, partnership with local authorities, and consistent relationships with peace-building communities, can be developed through further outreach, sustained, engagement, capacity development, formal peace support and reconciliation, and stabilisation engagements. Among the recommendations for UNMISS is for a more consistent, proactive and timely engagement when conducting routine patrols, and build local authorities' capacity to develop and implement the recommendations for how parties will secure and provide humanitarian access for partners, as well a continuous partnership with local communities to support reconciliation and secure access for humanitarian partners.