Believing in Peace in South Sudan

By Hiroko Hirahara

The author (centre) pictured at an observation post in a UN Protection of Civilian Site with UNPOL Officers from Ghana. UN police officers, alongside the UN army, are responsible for maintaining 24-hour surveillance and security of the site. UN Photo/Catherine Shin

Christmas Eve, 2018: whipped up by gusts of wind, clouds of dust danced the parched streets — which were barely visible under the feet of the throngs of people crowding the area. At minimum, there were at least several thousand gathered on the road.

“Thank you, UNMISS! Thank you, Hiroko! It looks like we will finally have peace here!” were the jubilant cries of…