South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have displaced more than 17,000 people in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State.
The fighting, which erupted last week, has primarily uprooted women, children, and the elderly from their homes, according to the Morobo Development Association (MDA).
“Over 3,202 households comprising 17,196 individuals, including 11,178 women and 6,018 men, have been forced to flee their homes,” said Ayume Dennis Charles, Secretary-General of the Morobo Development Association, in a press statement on Wednesday.
He noted that thousands of people have been displaced due to renewed violence in Panyume, Gulumbi, and Kimba payams.
“These displaced families are currently sheltering in overcrowded schools, churches, and even under trees, with limited or no access to food, clean water, medicine, or shelter,” he said.
Charles warned that vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, are facing life-threatening conditions.
“The risk of death from hunger, exposure to cold, mosquito bites, and diseases such as cholera, malaria, and pneumonia is growing every day,” he added.
Charles urged all warring parties to end hostilities immediately and return to peace talks.
“We call upon the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to recognize the devastating consequences of continued violence,” he said. “There must be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the full implementation of the peace agreement. Dialogue is the only way to save lives and address the root causes of this conflict.”
Charles issued an urgent appeal to the government, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector to support the displaced populations.
“We need immediate provision of emergency shelter, food, clean water, and sanitation,” he emphasized. “Access to medical care and protection from violence and exploitation must also be guaranteed, along with long-term support to help people rebuild their lives.”
Last week, clashes occurred in parts of the payams of Morobo County between SSPDF and SPLA-IO, leading to the displacement of civilians who are currently seeking shelter.
