Displaced people living in Terekeka County of Central Equatoria State have called for more food aid and farm tools to cultivate, saying they need external support in order to realize a good harvest.

Rodha Jama Modi, a 24-year old mother of six children, said she needs hoes and seeds to plant simsim, groundnuts and sorghum.

The displaced said they fear to return home. The county saw fighting in December and January, in particular on the east bank of the Nile, which lies along the Bor-Juba road.

Terekeka Commissioner Jacob Gore Samuel explained that the displaced were forced mainly from Gemezza and Mangalla North when opposition forces defected and passed through the area after the outbreak of the crisis in December.

Terekeka Relief & Rehabilitation Commission Coordinator John Modi said chicken, goats and food of the displaced were all looted by opposition forces, calling for support from well wishers.

Acting Gemezza Payam Administrator John Ladu said the displaced prefer to live on islands where they feel safe, rather than returning to their villages, but lack health services.

Photo: A woman applying mulch to preserve water for her vegetables in Terekeka (ACORD)

Reporting by Catholic Radio Network