USAID Provides Equipment to South Sudan for Conflict Prevention



USAID delivered these speedboats this week
to the government of South Sudan’s Jonglei state,
where hundreds of people have been killed in
intercommunal violence this year. The boats will enhance
the government's ability to reach isolated counties and
deter threats to community security.



USAID this week handed over five speedboats to South Sudan’s Jonglei State government, to help state authorities deter threats to community security in a part of South Sudan that has experienced significant intercommunal violence this year, and where roads are extremely limited. During August alone, at least 600 people were killed in fighting between the Murle and the Lou Nuer communities in Jonglei State, according to the United Nations.



By providing these speedboats along with accessories including lifejackets and 25 barrels of fuel to the state Ministry of Local Government and county authorities, USAID will further enhance the government’s capacity to reach isolated counties and deter emerging community security threats.

Jonglei State local authorities test one of the new
USAID-provided speedboats on the Nile. At left is
a South Sudan policeman, and at right, Marv Koop
of USAID partner AECOM International South Sudan

Due to limited road infrastructure and rains that flood the area for many months of the year, many payams (sub-county administrative units) are cut off from county headquarters, which are themselves isolated from the state capital, Bor. River transport is often the only means to reach remote areas in the rainy season.
Jonglei State local authorities test one of the new USAID-provided speedboats on the Nile. At left is a South Sudan policeman, and at right, Marv Koop of USAID partner AECOM International South Sudan.
“We know that there is an inextricable link between peace and development,” Deputy Mission Director Peter Natiello told the crowd assembled at the Nile River in Bor as the boats were delivered to the state government. “And we know that the development that we seek to support the citizens of Jonglei with will not be possible unless we work together on the security issues, to help achieve peace. We’re happy to support the efforts of the local government in Jonglei.”

http://blog.usaid.gov/2011/11/usaid-provides-equipment-to-south-sudan-for-conflict-prevention/