UNMISS on Security and the Malakal POC Transition

On Radio Miraya Nationwide, host Gabriel Shadar linked up with the Miraya on the Road team broadcasting live from Malakal, Upper Nile, where Taban Geofrey Koma spoke with the UNMISS Head of Field Office, Alfred Orono Orono, about the security situation and the planned transition of the Malakal Protection of Civilians site into a settlement under government responsibility. Orono said parts of the state remain relatively calm, with recent incidents in Malakal described mainly as criminal acts, and he noted that authorities have responded with rapid deployments, patrols, and community engagement to prevent panic and restore normal life. He explained that the POC has existed since 2013, but after years of UNMISS support to strengthen policing, courts, prisons, and local dialogue, the government is showing growing capacity to protect civilians, including plans to deploy a dedicated police presence and integrate former police from within the site, while UNMISS remains ready to step in if threats re-emerge. He also addressed the fear that drives people to run to the POC after killings, urging an end to revenge cycles and calling for transparent investigations so communities can trust the justice system.