Publication

This brief discusses the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) with a particular focus on the role it played in civilian protection following the breakout of violence in the country in December 2013. Among other issues, the author discusses 1) how tensions within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led to the violence in South Sudan; 2) the decision of UNMISS to open the gates of its compounds to those fleeing the violence; 3) how the mission altered its mandate following the crisis to focus on civilian protection, human rights monitoring and humanitarian assistance; 4) key developments in the conflict; and 5) the lessons learned from UNMISS actions during the conflict.