By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Over 3, 202 households, estimated at 17,196 individuals displaced in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, are in dire need of support.
The people are affected by recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
According to local authorities, majority of those affected originate from Panyume, Gulumbi, and Kimba Payams.
Among the displaced, 11,178 are female and 6,018 are male, currently living without essential social services under trees, in churches, and in schools.
They lack access to clean drinking water, shelter, food, medicines, and other non-food items.
Secretary General of the Morobo Development Association, Ayume Dennis Charles described the situation as dire.
He emphasized that vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, face a high risk of death.
“They face hunger and inadequate shelter, exposing them to mosquito bites, cold, and diseases like cholera, malaria, and pneumonia.” Ayume said.
Ayume appealed to the warring parties to engage in good-faith negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict that continues to displace civilians.
“We call upon the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to recognize the devastating consequences of the continued violence and the urgent need to prioritize dialogue to rescue lives. We call for an immediate and unconditional end to the war and the implementation of the peace agreement,” he stated.
The community leader further urged unhindered humanitarian access to the affected population and the provision of safety and well-being for displaced individuals, including protection from violence and exploitation.
“There is a need to provide assistance to help the displaced people rebuild their lives and regain their livelihoods.
Access to medical care, including treatment for injuries and infectious diseases, as well as the provision of food and shelter, is critical,” Ayume stressed.
Since 2016 conflict, Panyume, Gulumbi, and Kimba had been under the control of the SPLA-IO, led by Dr. Riek Machar.
However, the Commissioner of Morobo County Data Charles, recently announced that government forces had taken control of the area from armed militants linked to the SPLA-IO after intense fighting with the SSPDF, leading to the current displacement of the civilian population.