South Sudan: Rwandan Peacekeepers in Malakal Join Government Officials in Novel Peace, Hygiene Campaign

(All Photos: police.gov.rw)

The Rwandan Police peacekeepers deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile State under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on Friday, November 10, joined government officials and residents to launch a cleaning and hygiene campaign.

The launch of the campaign was presided over by the Governor of Upper Nile State, James Odok Oyai.

It was also attended by the UNMISS Head of Field Office (HoFo) for Malakal, Alfred Orono Orono, local military and police forces, peacekeeping components from other contributing countries, and Malakal residents.

The cleaning drive to influence behavioural change on hygiene, is part of the "Peace Starts with Me" campaign expected to be launched this Saturday in Malakal.

Governor Odok encouraged Malakal residents to always ensure sanitation and hygiene in their homes and surroundings, and to make it part of their culture.

"We are launching this cleaning campaign because we want Malakal town to be clean and green for the well-being of our communities and to protect the environment," the Governor said.

The UNMISS Head of Malakal Field Office, Alfred Orono Orono told the residents to adopt the Rwandan culture of monthly communal work, Umuganda.

Officials thanked the Rwandan peacekeepers for incorporating the culture of togetherness and wellbeing of the local people in their peacekeeping mandate, through Umuganda and other human security activities.

The 'Peace Begins With Me" campaign will be launched Saturday, November 11, at Malakal stadium with different entertainment activities including Rwandan traditional dance and music concert.