Local authorities in Fashoda County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State have announced that they intend to relocate displaced people who are currently occupying some government buildings in the county to alternative sites.

Thousands of families sought refuge in Fashoda County following the fighting in Malakal town and other parts of the state.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the Fashoda County Commissioner Morris Adiang noted the humanitarian situation of the displaced has steadily improved after some aid organizations accessed the area and provided food and the other services in the county.

He pointed out that Doctors Without Borders and World Vision organizations also promised that they will provide shelter to the war-affected people.

The major problem facing the internally displaced persons in the area is the accommodation. According to the commissioner, the displaced have occupied some government institutions, which affected the work of the local authorities.

“Based on this dilemma, the local authorities decided to identify alternative sites for the displaced persons in the county to open a space for the government to work,” said the commissioner. 

Situation in Malakal

In a related development, local residents inside the UNMISS base in the town of Malakal have complained about the deteriorating humanitarian situation amid a shortage of aid organizations.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, several citizens sheltering in the compound stated that the town is entirely deserted, with people still living at the base, dismissing claims by the state authorities that most of the local residents have returned back to their homes recently.

They also predicted worsening humanitarian situation during the coming rainy season.

Photo: An aircraft chartered by Cordaid in Kodok, Fashoda County, 12 March 2014 (Cordaid)