Western Bahr el-Ghazal State is experiencing an influx of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Western Equatoria State’s Nagero County, local officials said.
The Paramount Chief of Kpaile Boma of Bazia Payam, Joseph Abdalla, confirmed the presence of the IDPs and the challenges in providing for them.
Abdalla expressed fears of worsening humanitarian conditions if the situation persists.
“From January 10, we have been receiving 5 to 10 people from Western Equatoria State daily, which has brought the total number to 63 so far,” he explained.
“Due to limited resources, some IDPs are housed within the payam headquarter, while others are staying with local families. The poor living conditions raise concerns about potential disease outbreaks,” he stated.
The IDPs were fleeing the ongoing fighting between government forces and the elements of SPLA- in Opposition (SPLA-IO) which started last week.
More arrivals were expected as the people flee the conflict zones, often avoiding the main roads for safety, according to the Wau County authorities.
Abdalla said the presence of IDPs was also creating tension with the local residents.
Some of the IDPs recounted incidents of arbitrary arrests, physical abuse, and threats from the SSPDF forces. Civilians, including children, were reportedly being detained and threatened with execution.
Francis Madalena explained how the SSPDF forces targeted civilians after SPLA-IO soldiers left, leading to widespread fear and displacement.
“They (SSPDF) asked all the IO forces to leave the barrack, except their commander and three of his bodyguards. The following day, they went after the IO and started shooting at anybody they found, including the civilians, and that is why we came here,” Madalena explained.
Mary Banat explained that they were badly abused by the government forces, including being tied up with his son and being threatened with death, before being freed by a sympathetic soldier.
Reports indicated that SSPDF forces arrived in Nagero County’s Kuburi-Bo area on January 6, leading to the confiscation of SPLA-IO military equipment and the subsequent violence.
Nagero County Commissioner Bangada Assaya earlier stated that the unapproved SSPDF deployment escalated tensions, leading to the mass displacement of civilians.
According to local authorities, humanitarian support, including food, shelter, medical aid and protection from further harm, is required for the displaced.