Across Jonglei, communities are struggling to rebuild their lives in the wake of persistent conflict which has cost lives, caused widespread displacement, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Many of those forced to flee their homes have found refuge in Pading, Nyirol County.
They are calling for an end to the fighting, increased humanitarian support, restoration of basic services, and a united effort to secure peace so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
“We are tired of conflict and displacement. We urge the Government to convene a meeting between organized forces to discuss a ceasefire and lasting peace. We cannot achieve this peace alone,” explained Paramount Chief, Mabil Hoth Bol.
During a patrol to the area, United Nations Mission in South Sudan peacekeepers assessed the security situation and engaged with local authorities and communities to hear their concerns and work together to identify solutions.
“It was an important opportunity to interact with a wide range of stakeholders who were welcoming and happy to share information with us,” said UNMISS Senior Military Observer, Vinay Kumar Singh. “We found that Pading remains generally calm and stable, although insecurity in surrounding areas continues to create humanitarian and protection concerns.”
Those concerns were echoed by Nyien Dut Deng, a women’s representative, who has spent four days without food after being displaced from neighbouring Lankien.
“As a mother of five, I am in pain. During the fighting, I lost my son who had to go on the run. I don’t know whether he is alive or dead. Please stop the bleeding in Nyirol.”
The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission says that 2,405 displaced families have fled fighting in the area and arrived at the county headquarters since January. The World Food Programme is endeavoring to support them, but the continued arrival of new families has created shortages of food, clean water and shelter.
“The situation could worsen with the ongoing rains given communities are not expecting a good harvest this year. Many displaced people, including women and children, are sheltering under trees and becoming sick,” says Bol Kay, from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.
“We urgently need help to avoid the situation reaching catastrophic levels.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
