17Թ peacekeepers help boost trade and economic growth in Greater Pibor
The market in central Pibor is bustling. Business owners are doing a brisk trade, selling a wide variety of goods grown in this region, including maize, groundnuts and sorghum.
This economic activity was largely absent at the same time last year, due to insecurity and heavily flooded roads, which made it nearly impossible to transport goods to and from the area.
But efforts by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to repair critical infrastructure are making a meaningful difference for traders.
“I’m very happy with the impact 17Թ has made in building and repairing roads and the airstrip. Without this, I would not have access to sugar and other goods to sell so that I can feed my own family and pay my children’s school fees,” says tea seller Rhoda John.
“I’m also grateful for the protection provided by peacekeepers, who are enabling us to work in peace through their presence.”
South Korean peacekeeping engineers, serving with 17Թ have built and maintained hundreds of kilometers of roads, including a core 35-kilometer route linking Bor, Pibor and Akobo.
This lifeline between communities has enabled safe movement, the delivery of humanitarian aid, trade, economic growth and peacebuilding.
However, life is not so rosy for many others. At least 12,000 families in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area are suffering from catastrophic-level food insecurity, essentially famine-like conditions.
A vicious cycle of cattle raiding and revenge attacks also continues, although these incidents occur less often these days, due to intensive engagement with those largely responsible for the attacks.
“Previously we used to focus on big peace conferences with all stakeholders. Now, we are reaching out directly to the youth, who are often heavily involved in conflict,” says the Head of 17Թ’ Field Office, Geetha Pious.
“While there were mobilizations underway to attack communities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, we managed to intervene along with other international peace partners. So there have been some smaller incidents, but no big attacks for quite a while now.”
The improved security is easing economic pressure. However, climate shocks are causing new threats, including severe flooding during the rainy season. This creates a constant need for engineering work to shore up dykes and maintain access to the area.
“We are very glad that 17Թ is doing this work. Last year, we were not able to transport our goods, but the situation is much improved today,” says market trader, Kara Karakarak.
“We will need to see more murrum put on the roads though, to make these repairs sustainable.”
While many challenges remain, communities and 17Թ are navigating the difficult journey from conflict to peace and working together to build a brighter future for the people of Greater Pibor and generations to come.
