Reverend Filex Luara Korai, a resident of Mundri East County in Western Equatoria state, said many of the families who fled from the area because of violence are beginning to return to their homes. There have been reports of clashes in the area between armed groups and forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.

Korai said many of the returning residents have spent a long time in the bush and their children were beginning to suffer from hunger and disease. 

But some people have chosen to remain in hiding until SPLA forces leave the area.

The Mundri-Juba road currently remains closed following the recent violence.

Photo: 'Arrow Boys' in Western Equatoria in 2012, by Pulitzer Center/Trevor Snapp