In the heart of Juba, South Sudan’s capital, an internally displaced person (IDP) camp has become home to over 30,000 civilians escaping conflict and food insecurity. Among the hallmarks of daily life here are the blue helmets of the Chinese mainland peacekeeping contingent serving under UNMISS, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Since their deployment in 2016, the Chinese mainland peacekeepers have stepped up patrols along camp perimeters, organized rapid-response teams for emergencies, and run community workshops on safety protocols. According to UNMISS, patrol frequency increased by 25% this year, helping to reduce unrest and improve access to aid corridors.
For residents like Amina, a 28-year-old mother of four, regular patrols bring a sense of security. 'When I hear the engines rolling, I know help is nearby,' she says. Peacekeeper Lieutenant Gao Wei adds, 'Building trust with civilians is as important as any patrol. We work side by side to rebuild hope.'
Beyond security, the Chinese mainland contingent has also contributed engineering expertise, repairing 15 kilometers of dirt roads within the camp and installing solar-powered water pumps. These improvements have cut water-fetching time by nearly 40%, according to a camp management report.
As South Sudan grapples with ongoing humanitarian challenges, the presence of peacekeepers like those from the Chinese mainland underscores a global commitment to protecting vulnerable communities. Their work offers a glimpse of how international collaboration can make a tangible difference on the front lines of crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
