Dismantling of trading zone outside pedestrian gate of Juba POC 3

By United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), at the request of the Inspector General of the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), today extended logistical support to an operation to clear an area adjacent to the pedestrian gate of Juba protection of civilians (POC) site 3, which had become an illegal trading zone and a threat to the safety of the occupants of the POC site.

This operation was carried out by local authorities in response to concerns raised by community leaders in the POC and surrounding communities that the activities in the area posed a clear security threat to IDPs and increased criminal activity outside the POC sites and nearby vicinity. These community leaders subsequently issued a formal request that local authorities have the section cleared.

During the SSNPS clearing operation, UNMISS ensured the heightened safety and security of the IDPs residing in POCs 3 and 1 by augmenting its already reinforced security personnel presence providing protection to the IDPs and POC site.

The main POC gates were closed during the exercise to prevent any interference during the operation, and to protect those in the POC site.

The removal and relocation of shops was a Government-led operation carried out by the Governor, SSNPS, and SPLA, with UNMISS and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) providing logistical and security support to the adjacent POC sites.