Unity state gov’t takes over Bentiu POC – spokesman

BENTIU – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has handed over protection of civilian sites in Unity state’s Bentiu to state authorities, according to a gubernatorial spokesman.

Puot Tap Riak, the Press Secretary for the SPLM-IO-nominated deputy governor of Unity state Tor Tungwar Kueiguong said in a statement that the process was done this morning during a meeting attended by UNMISS representatives, the governor and his deputy.

“The leadership of [the] United Nations Mission In South Sudan [has] hand[ed] over the Protection of Civilians (POCs) to Unity State government,” he said in the statement seen by Sudans Post.

The spokesman said a joint operation force comprising the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the main armed opposition group SPLA-IO will provide protection to the displaced person, although no indication of any unified force constituted.

“[A] Joint Operation Force …..  selected from both (SPLMIO) and (SPLMIG) will provide security and protection to the POCs, although the UNMISS will still provide the basic necessities,” the statement added.

“UNMISS’ State Coordinator Madam Eroco gave Pick Up Car to Joint Operation Forces so that they can use it to facilitate their activities and she promised that their leadership will always provide help where it is necessary,” it added.