Residents of Tambura County in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State say fear and uncertainty have grown following the closure of a United Nations peacekeeping base in the area.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) began closing its base in Tambura on Jan. 8 and has been moving equipment and vehicles to Yambio, residents and local officials said.
The drawdown comes as the United Nations reduces its peacekeeping presence in parts of South Sudan, citing severe global funding constraints. The contingency plan tied to global UN peacekeeping budget cuts involves reducing overall spending by about 15%.
In May 2025, the U.N. Security Council extended UNMISS’ mandate for another year, maintaining a ceiling of 17,000 troops and 2,101 police officers.
Local resident Thomas Bandaisa Sigini told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that UNMISS personnel were seen transporting their belongings without prior notice to community leaders, sparking panic among residents.
“The presence of UNMISS gave people confidence,” Bandaisa said. “They conducted night patrols, armed groups feared them, and civilians could shelter at the base during clashes. Now people are worried and do not know what will happen next.”
Another community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said UNMISS vehicles had been seen moving equipment and supplies to Yambio over the past several days.
He said the mission had provided essential support, including security patrols, water, food assistance and emergency response during violent incidents.
“When people were attacked or killed, UNMISS helped transport bodies and supported the community,” he said. “Now the base is closed, and people are living in fear.”
Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge confirmed the closure, saying local authorities had been informed it was due to funding constraints and directives from higher authorities.
“People are deeply concerned and unsettled,” Mabenge said. “Given the past insecurity linked to SPLM-IO activities in Tambura County, the community fears a return to violence.”
Community members said the presence of UNMISS had helped deter attacks and protect civilians, particularly women and children, and that its withdrawal has left many residents feeling exposed.
UNMISS has not issued an official statement on the closure. However, residents reported seeing large trucks transporting office equipment and other materials from the base, a development that has heightened anxiety in the community.
Tambura County has been prone to violence since 2021, when fighting involving government forces, SPLM-IO elements and local militias killed hundreds of civilians and displaced tens of thousands. The conflict was marked by ethnic tensions, targeted killings, abductions and widespread destruction of property, according to United Nations and rights groups.
Although large-scale fighting subsided, sporadic attacks, ambushes and abductions have continued, keeping security fragile and leaving civilians heavily reliant on the presence of U.N. peacekeepers.