By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Central Equatoria State governor, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, has visited Morobo County following recent clashes that displace several people.
The clashes, reportedly between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) based north of the county.
Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, the Acting Minister of Information and Communication in Central Equatoria State, confirmed the Governor’s arrival to the media shortly after he reached Morobo.
Aligo stated that the visit aims to assess the security situation in the county and for the Governor to understand the circumstances of the displaced citizens in the affected areas.
“He will visit the Internally Displaced Persons and listen to first-hand accounts from the affected people, which will inform the humanitarian intervention from various partners,” said Aligo.
Despite the recent clashes, the Morobo County Commissioner, Hon. Data Charles Bullen, described the current situation in the Payams unaffected by the recent fighting as normal and stable.
Charles noted that while there has been a relative return to Payaume Payam, one of the administrative units recently recaptured by government forces from SPLA-IO forces after a prolonged period, the area remains under surveillance by the SSPDF. He added that the SSPDF is still engaging the remaining SPLA-IO forces.
“Many of the SPLA-IO have deserted their old bases or camps, but they are not far from them,” said Charles. “For example, when I visited the area, upon arriving in Nayiro, 30 minutes away from their old base, they attacked us, and we had to engage in a fierce fight with them.”
He stated, however, that there is currently relative peace in the areas previously controlled by the SPLA-IO forces.
The County Commissioner recalled that no lives were lost during the attack between government forces and the armed militia, attributing this to an alert that was triggered before the attack could fully take place.
Charles reported that more than 1,500 households and 8,900 individuals were displaced in the recent attacks.
“The situation is dire, with no food, shelter, water, etc.,” the commissioner added. “Initially, only the County authorities were providing essential services before the Charismatic Church and MSF intervened. Unfortunately, many of those delivering assistance are stopped on the road by armed forces.”
According to the commissioner, approximately 11 vehicles in Yei River County carrying humanitarian assistance have been denied entry into Morobo County.
Charles added that the 11 trucks were ordered to return to Yei town, just three kilometers after departing Yei River County.
He appealed for the immediate release of the trucks to alleviate the suffering of the displaced people.
Apart from those displaced in Payaume, Commissioner Charles noted that there are also civilians displaced in other areas of Morobo County.