South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), approximately 500 households, are fleeing violence instigated by armed men in Maruko village, located in Ibba County of Western Equatoria state, and are facing dire humanitarian conditions.
A looming humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Ibba County as many IDPs fleeing brutal violence in Maruko village remain stranded without food, clean water, shelter, or medical care. Local authorities warn that without immediate intervention, the lives of hundreds—especially women and children—are at serious risk.
Barbara Alison, the Infection Prevention and Control officer at the Ibba County Health Department, stated that a recent county-level assessment revealed the dire humanitarian situation faced by the displaced persons.
Alison noted that the assessment indicated at least 500 households have been displaced from Maruko, a village situated 55 miles from Ibba town to Nanguruza, adding that this displacement has made residents particularly vulnerable.
“We went to Nanguruza for assessment and found many people who had migrated from Maruko due to attacks by unknown armed men. They are facing a dire humanitarian situation, with most of those suffering being women and children,” Alison said in an interview on Saturday.
She emphasised that the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Ibba County calls for urgent intervention, highlighting that people fled Maruko village without food, medical supplies, or clean drinking water.
“Pregnant mothers and children are suffering from the cold and malaria. The weather is chilly, and people are staying in the open air, with nothing to keep warm. There is no shelter, no food, and no water,” she explained.
Alison disclosed that armed men from an unknown location entered Maruko village, forcefully recruiting young people and looting properties in Ibba County, leading to widespread panic that forced residents to flee their homes.
“People have been displaced from their original areas. I urge our government to provide support for these vulnerable individuals who need protection; there is no security and no police presence,” she stated.
“Women and children are in a critical condition. I am appealing to both humanitarian agencies and the government to assist the suffering displaced population as soon as possible,” she added.
The displacement, which began early last month, was triggered by an attack on Maruko village by armed men allegedly recruiting young people by force and looting civilian property. In fear for their lives, residents fled en masse to Ibba County.
