A four-day high level visit to Juba, led by the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, took place from 8 to 11 January 2024. During the visit, the Mission Leadership delegation held high-level engagements with South Sudan Government officials, including the 1st Vice President of South Sudan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs.

Discussions were also held with the Co-Chair of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), representing the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), along with representatives from GoSS, UNMISS leadership, and other key stakeholders. Additionally, crucial conversations were held with the GoSS’s Chief of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM)/Joint Verification Mechanism (JVMM) and the Governor of Warrap State.

The visit served as a crucial platform for engagement with key stakeholders, addressing various issues, with a focus on the security situation in Abyei and the GoSS’s commitment to supporting UNISFA. Prior to the visit to Juba, the Ag HoM/FC condoled with the Abyei community. On behalf of the Mission, he expressed sympathy for the death of the Deputy Chief Administrator and his personal/security aides.