By Manas James Okony
Community leaders in Akobo County, Jonglei State, are urgently appealing for humanitarian assistance following the return of at least 370 individuals to Alali Payam, a community grappling with a severe crisis exacerbated by ongoing flooding.
The recent influx of returnees underscores the urgent need for intervention from humanitarian organizations and government bodies.
John Opiew Olok, a representative of the Akobo Anyuak community and former state legislator, told No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the returnees made their way back from camps in Ethiopia, where they had sought refuge due to the deteriorating conditions in their home area.
“These people arrived in Alali on Tuesday after eight days of navigating through floodwaters,” Opiew stated.
“Their situation is dire, as food supplies were previously destroyed during a raid in May, and now they are facing the dire consequences of flooding caused by the overflowing Akobo River.”
The community leader emphasized the need for immediate support, saying, “As a community, we are reaching out to relevant stakeholders, including the state government and the county commissioner, to inform them about these new arrivals and to seek assistance.”
“We had a brief meeting with the commissioner before he left for Akobo town, where he offered to provide a satellite phone to facilitate communication with Alali. Our primary request is for Alali to be included in the national flood intervention program,” he added.
In a related statement, Akobo County Commissioner Puok Nyang Tutjiek highlighted that significant parts of the county remain submerged in floodwaters, complicating efforts to assess the extent of the devastation.
“That area lacks network coverage, making communication difficult. When the incidents earlier this year caused widespread displacement, many community members fled to other villages near Pochalla County,” he noted.
“While in Bor, I learned that some people have started returning to the area, but we currently do not have access to gather accurate information. The humanitarian situation is worsening, as the returnees did not cultivate during their displacement, resulting in food shortages,” he added.
Historically, Alali Payam has faced challenges due to seasonal flooding, which further destabilizes the area’s already vulnerable food security and livelihoods.
The intersection of these crises, compounded by previous violence and displacement, has led to a humanitarian emergency that requires immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the returnees and the affected communities.
The appeal for assistance highlights an urgent need for coordinated humanitarian efforts to address both the immediate and long-term needs of individuals facing the dual threats of flooding and food insecurity in Jonglei State.