The humanitarian situation in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, remains critical following renewed clashes, with local authorities warning of escalating displacement, food shortages, and a worsening cholera outbreak.
The violence, which intensified in recent weeks, saw local armed youth also known as the White Army seize control of military barracks in Nasir town, displacing many families to nearby villages such as Mandeng, Jingmiir, and other villages. Many others have fled across the border to Ethiopia, Gatluak said.
“The security situation in Nasir is now stable, but the displaced population faces severe shortages of food and shelter,” James Gatluak Lew, Commissioner of Nasir County, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday.
He warned that the crisis could deepen in the coming months if aid is not urgently provided, as intermittent fighting over the past month has destroyed livelihoods and disrupted essential services.
Efforts to Evacuate Stranded Soldiers
Following last week’s clashes, several South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers fled their barracks and are reportedly sheltering within local communities. Gatluak said efforts are underway to locate and evacuate the stranded troops.
“We have registered 21 soldiers so far, including 15 in Ulang, which is geographically close to Nasir,” he said. “Those we have recovered are safe, and we are working with the national government to evacuate them. The main challenge is food, though we have managed to deliver some supplies.”
Cholera Outbreak Compounds Crisis
The conflict has exacerbated a growing public health emergency, with a cholera outbreak spreading rapidly amid a lack of medical resources. Over the past few days alone, more than 70 patients have been admitted to health facilities, with 10 deaths recorded, Gatluak said.
“Six patients died before they could reach the health facility, and we are struggling with a severe shortage of drugs for treatment,” he added.
Gatluak, a medical professional himself, noted that health workers are on the ground but remain overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
Calls for Aid and Peace
The commissioner reiterated urgent appeals for humanitarian intervention and a peaceful resolution to the violence. “If no aid arrives, the coming months will be extremely difficult for our people,” he warned.