Clashes between the government troops and SPLA defectors forced over 4,000 people to flee their home to Buseri and neighboring areas, according to a local chief. He says they need better security and humanitarian assistance.

Last April there was a significant defection of Nuer troops and trainees from the Mapel Military Training Centre in Western Bahr al Ghazal. Some are remaining in the state while others have gone north to Northern Bahr al Ghazal.

The insurgents’ presence coupled with army operations to track them down have worsened security in Wau County and caused displacement of locals.

The displaced persons mostly women and children are said to be living in a terrible humanitarian situation at the outskirts of the Buseri area.

Gabriel Unango, a sultan in Buseri area, told Radio Tamazuj that over 4,000 people have been displaced in Wau County and the neighboring areas since fighting erupted at Mapel Centre.

He said the displaced families are currently living in open areas and under trees, while some of them were accommodated by their relatives in Buseri.

The sultan complained that the local authorities refused to open a school at Buseri area to accommodate the displaced.

He said this year’s agricultural season will definitely fail if the people remain in such a situation in Buseri.

Gabriel appealed to the local authorities to provide security so that the displaced people can return back to cultivate as usual and also called for humanitarian organizations to provide aid to the displaced.

Wau County Commissioner Taban Angelo Biajo previously told Radio Tamazuj that insecurity at the outskirts of the Farajallah town displaced nearly 1,500 people from their homes, saying the SPLA defections from Mapel caused tensions and security problems in the area.