By Philip Buda Ladu
The Government of Central Equatoria State (CES) has provided crucial relief to displaced persons in Morobo County, delivering over 24 tones of assorted food supplies valued at $25,000.
This intervention comes in the wake of recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Panyume Payam.
According to a statement from the office of the governor posted on his official Facebook page, the handover of the supplies, which include cooking oil, maize flour, beans, and rice, took place at the Morobo County Headquarters on Thursday.
Rose Lisok, Chairperson of the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, conveyed her sympathy to the affected families and assured them of proper distribution of the aid.
She also made a heartfelt appeal to the “sons and daughters of Morobo, well-wishers, and humanitarian partners” to extend further assistance during this challenging time.
“We are saddened by the incident that happened, and that’s why we appeal to all partners to come and help in such a time,” Hon. Lisok emphasized.
The Commissioner of Morobo County, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, expressed his deep gratitude for the State Government’s swift response in supporting the displaced population.
He voiced optimism that the National Government would follow suit.
“I would like to register my sincere appreciation to the State Government for this great support and standing with the people of Morobo. Now that the State has intervened, we believe the National Government will also come in,” Hon. Data stated.
Paramount Chief of Morobo County, Naphtali Yakani, confirmed the receipt of the food items and pledged their distribution to those displaced.
“We have received these food items and will distribute them to the displaced. We are thankful to the State Government,” Chief Yakani said.
This delivery of aid follows an official working visit to Morobo County on Wednesday by Central Equatoria State Governor, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, in response to the recent conflict.
Local authorities report that the clashes have displaced over 8,000 civilians.
While the situation in Payams unaffected by the fighting is described as “normal and stable” by Commissioner Charles, Panyume Payam, recently recaptured by government forces, remains under SSPDF surveillance as they pursue remaining SPLA-IO elements.
Commissioner Charles noted that no lives were lost during the initial attack due to an early warning. He reported that approximately 8,900 individuals from over 1,500 households were displaced by the recent violence in the area.
Adding to the challenges, Commissioner Charles also reported that approximately 11 vehicles carrying humanitarian assistance in Yei River County were denied entry into Morobo County, though further details were not provided.
Late last month, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) issued a strong call for calm following the clashes in Morobo and Yei, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities, prioritization of civilian protection, and unimpeded access for peacekeepers and humanitarian aid.