(RUMBEK NORTH COUNTY, LAKES STATE) – Heavy seasonal rains have once again cut off much of rural South Sudan, but peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently made their way through mud, swollen tracks, and near impassable roads to reach isolated communities in Rumbek North.
Sliding across muddy surfaces and digging their vehicles free with shovels and winches, the team pushed forward with persistence until they arrived in Maper. For many in this part of Lakes State, the rainy season has brought both protection from outside attacks and new challenges of isolation, food shortages, and lost income.
The UNMISS patrol’s first stop was the local police station where security officers raised concerns over continued violence. Police Chief Inspector Majak Alapayo Ador told the visiting team that while sporadic attacks by armed youth from neighbouring Panyijar had slowed because of the rains, insecurity remained a constant threat.
“We need your help to talk with our neighbours in Panyijar in a peace dialogue before the end of the rainy season,” he said. “Our transporters are being ambushed by armed youth, trading has nearly halted, and many businesses are suffering.”
A recent attack that killed five transporters highlighted how fragile the situation remains. The incident forced traders to stay away from key roads, cutting supplies of food and essentials to remote payams such as Mayendit. Families in these areas are left with little income and unreliable access to basic goods.
Later in the day, after discussions with county officials and community leaders, the patrol was approached by a young girl who asked the team to return soon. She led them to a group of around 15 women vendors selling tea, sorghum, maize, dried fish, and fruit under the shade of a Lulu tree.
One of the vendors, Nyayiel Yook, explained that selling produce without shelter from sun or rain meant many of their goods spoiled quickly, leading to losses.
“We are selling under the tree to hide from the rain and sun. Our fruits and vegetables rot fast and we are losing money,” she said.
Another trader, Angelina Lou, who sells tea and mandazi, stressed that the women were not seeking charity but support to establish a small market shelter. “We are hardworking and self-reliant women, but building such a structure is beyond our means. If it is provided, we will take responsibility and manage and maintain it together,” she said.
UNMISS deputy patrol leader, Fatmata Mamie Henrietta Deen-Kanu, praised their determination and said the request could be considered under the mission’s Quick Impact Projects programme, which funds small community infrastructure to strengthen resilience and promote peace.
For the patrol team, the long return journey was filled with mud and water once again, but also with a sense of duty. They left Rumbek North encouraged by the resilience of residents who continue to pursue peace despite the danger of armed youth and who work tirelessly to sustain their families even under severe economic and environmental pressure.
