The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting between Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Acting Head of UNMISS, who visited Torit to officially inform state authorities of the decision.
Gbeho explained that the move is part of a broader global restructuring plan that will see UNMISS scale down its field operations by 15 percent as the organization faces budget reductions of up to 25 percent.
“We are not abandoning South Sudan or Eastern Equatoria,” Gbeho assured. “UNMISS will continue supporting the state and its people from our headquarters in Juba, and we will maintain close engagement with the government and local communities to sustain peace and stability.”
She emphasized that UNMISS will continue implementing its priority activities — including civilian protection, peacebuilding, and humanitarian coordination — through mobile teams and partner organizations.
For years, the blue helmets have been a familiar presence across Eastern Equatoria, protecting civilians, mediating community disputes, and facilitating humanitarian access in areas affected by conflict and displacement. Their work has contributed significantly to peacebuilding efforts and the restoration of stability in the state.
Governor Lobong expressed both appreciation and concern following the announcement. He thanked UNMISS for its long-standing partnership and contribution to peace but admitted that the timing of the closure was worrying, especially as South Sudan prepares for its first-ever national elections.
“We understand this is a global financial challenge. However, we had hoped UNMISS would remain operational until after the elections,” Lobong said. “Nonetheless, we accept the decision and assure that the government will ensure a smooth closure process. We urge our people to remain calm and patient as cooperation with UNMISS continues through the Juba office.”
He added that the closure reflects the progress achieved in stabilizing Eastern Equatoria and demonstrates that peace efforts are taking root in the region.
UNMISS was established in July 2011, following South Sudan’s independence, with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor and investigate human rights, support the implementation of peace agreements, and help create conditions for long-term peace and development.
In Eastern Equatoria, UNMISS has played a central role in community reconciliation, capacity building for local authorities, and supporting humanitarian partners in delivering aid to vulnerable populations. It has also facilitated dialogues among communities to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
Despite the closure of the Torit office, UNMISS will continue to maintain field presence in other parts of South Sudan and will coordinate support to Eastern Equatoria through its national headquarters in Juba.
The Torit field office closure comes four days after a high-level visit to Juba by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations, who toured South Sudan to discuss the implications of the funding crisis.
