The commissioner of Kapoeta East County in Eastern Equatoria State has suspended all operations of NGOs over tensions between the Buno and Ngangiya communities over water points.
Angelo Abdala Lokeno said that the NGOs will resume work when the tensions ebb, security is restored, and normalcy returns.
Last week, 11,000 people were displaced from Bunno village and 10 others were injured in Lopua village when the two Toposa communities of Buno and Nganiya clashed over a water point for their cattle.
The commissioner told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that the suspension of NGO operations is to protect both humanitarians and the local communities. He said a committee comprising members from both communities has been formed to investigate and amicably resolve the dispute.
“We have tried to contain the tension and ensure that it does not escalate. The committee and government officials are constantly moving in the area to address the matter in both Buno and Ngangiya after which we will have a general meeting. The committee comprises of lawmakers and state ministers from both communities,” he explained. “We have suspended the NGOs from operating so that they do not fall victim to this tension, this is to protect their lives by not reaching the grassroots due to insecurity. I suspended their work until the insecurity is contained and the area is normal.”
Commissioner Lokeno cautioned humanitarian agencies from going to the villages without government consent. He however appealed to NGOs involved in water and sanitation to step in and establish more water points to stop conflict over water.
“I am urging the NGOs to be patient and in case of any security threat, they should report to government officials,” he stated. “They should not move without the government knowing where they are going. The national government should also bring peace and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) partners to help us because this tension is over water points.”
Meanwhile, Lokang Augustino, a civil society activist in Greater Kapoeta, welcomed the suspension of NGO activities, saying they cannot operate in an insecure environment
“We condemn the acts of violence by the two communities because conflict is not good and it will also affect services from NGOs,” he said. When there is conflict, the NGO cannot operate and it is now the government’s responsibility to restore peace and security and unite the two communities.”