JUBA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Friday by paying tribute to 13 fallen peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2025.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, officer in charge of UNMISS, said the conflict continues to pose immense challenges in South Sudan, resulting in numerous deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
"Our peacekeepers are doing their utmost to support those in need through efforts that are saving and improving lives. We are patrolling by land, air, and river, helping to provide a protective presence and deter violence," Gbeho said in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
She noted that UNMISS faces mounting obstacles in executing its vital mandate, driven primarily by a UN-wide financial crisis that has forced a drawdown of peacekeepers and the closure of strategic bases.
Gbeho said that while these fiscal constraints are expected to persist, the mission's core objective remains unchanged, prioritizing human lives and demonstrating that the call to "invest in peace" is a concrete commitment rather than merely a catchphrase.
She honored the courage, compassion, and commitment of UN peacekeepers and also paid tribute to the people of South Sudan, noting that their resilience and persistence in the pursuit of peace serve as a profound inspiration.
Gbeho reaffirmed the UN's commitment to serving as a dedicated partner to the nation, helping transform the promise of peace from a distant aspiration into a daily and deliberate reality. ■