For the people of Ezo, in South Sudan’s far western corner, the arrival of a helicopter is more than the sound of rotating blades—it is a reminder they have not been forgotten.
Bordering the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ezo is rich in fertile land but cut off by poor roads and vulnerable to cross-border insecurity.
Today, a United Nations Dynamic Air Patrol is bringing military and civilian peacekeepers closer to communities—listening to concerns, assessing security, and strengthening local partnerships.
Agriculture is the backbone of life in Ezo, yet many families remain trapped in poverty despite the area’s agricultural potential. For many women, peace must also bring economic opportunity.
“As we are staying here, farming work is too much. We are currently harvesting groundnuts. The level of poverty is too much here,” explains Ezo resident, Queen Eunice. “People are tired and struggling with farming as can be seen and there is no support.”
Poor roads remain one of the community’s greatest challenges. During the rainy season, Ezo is often cut off, restricting trade, slowing development, and limiting humanitarian access.
“Communities are doing their activities like farming and schooling,” says Ezo local authority member, Henry Zinaro. ” The road to Ezo is very bad and it is slowing down the economic activities in the county.”
UN peacekeepers say Ezo’s fertile land offers enormous potential, but greater investment in farming, water infrastructure, and basic services is needed to turn that potential into lasting livelihoods.
“We realized that the major activity that can develop Ezo is agriculture. If they receive agricultural tools and machinery, they can cultivate more, produce enough food, improve the economy, and generate more income,” says UNMISS Military Observer, Djamilla Pelagie Balakwe. “Maintaining boreholes will also improve livelihoods and strengthen the protection of civilians.”
Ezo’s border location also leaves communities exposed to armed groups moving across porous frontiers. The presence of internally displaced people and refugees makes early warning and community-led protection vital to preventing violence.
“Considering Ezo’s fragile situation, the community needs to be engaged in protection activities, and we need to strengthen the community protection committee so they can provide early warning information on protection concerns and find solutions to issues that arise,” says Anthony Moudie, UNMISS Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer.
For communities beyond the reach of basic services, the United Nations patrol is more than a security mission. It strengthens trust, supports local protection efforts, and ensures remote communities remain connected to the peace process
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol to Ezo reassures struggling communities they are not alone
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