Malakal SSDDR get new office

15 Jul 2010

Malakal SSDDR get new office

The Malakal Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Commission (SSDDRC) recently moved into a new nine-room office donated by UNMIS.

During the handover ceremony on 12 July, UNMIS Human Rights Officer Alfred Zulu said he hoped the new office would help the commission to conduct its operations effectively in Upper Nile State.

"UNMIS will continue to assist, including in capacity building, to enhance SSDDRC staff to be fully capable to perform their task," Mr. Zulu said.
Previously, the commission was housed in the state government's offices in downtown Malakal.
The state's SSDDRC director, David Jal Nyang, thanked UNMIS for donating the office.
"UNMIS has fulfilled its mandate to provide technical support to us. This also shows the commitment of the international community to promote peace in Sudan and to bring stability to ex-combatants," Mr. Nyang said.
SSDDRC oversees the design, implements and manages DDR of ex-combatants in Sudan. As part of the UN DDR team, UNMIS provides technical and logistical support to the commission.
UNMIS Malakal Head of Office Hendrik Bruyn said he hoped the commission would accelerate disarmament in the state.

Construction of the new office began in October 2009 on land donated by the spiritual leader and king of the Shiluk community, Kongo Dak Padiet.

The new office will be the permanent residence of the commission.