Authorities in Kapoeta East County of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria have announced the resumption of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operations following a one-week suspension due to insecurity in the area.
The decision to resume operations came after the communities of Buno and Nyangiyang agreed to share water points and live peacefully as one family. Tensions over water points had escalated on the 13th of this month, resulting in the displacement of 11,000 people and 10 injuries among the Toposa communities of Buno and Nyangiyang in Kapoeta East County. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities.
Angelo Abdala Lokeno, Commissioner of Kapoeta East County, told Radio Tamazuj that NGOs have now resumed their activities in the area. Initially intended to last three days, the suspension was prolonged as the government continued efforts to mediate between the conflicting communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Lokeno emphasized the familial ties between the communities and their agreement to resolve disputes peacefully.
“These people are one family; they have finally agreed to coexist and devise peaceful means to resolve disputes. Meetings will soon be convened. Initially, we suspended operations for three days to ensure humanitarian workers’ safety amidst tensions between Lopuwa and Napotpot. However, we have already issued a letter of resumption due to the relative calm, allowing operations to continue. Two committees have been formed from Buno and Nyangiyang to manage tensions between the conflicting communities, resulting in a noticeable decrease in unrest in the area,” he said.
Oryem Emmanuel, a civil society activist in Eastern Equatoria State, welcomed the resumption of NGO operations in the county, emphasizing the crucial need for humanitarian services at the grassroots level. He urged communities to adopt a peaceful approach to address issues and encouraged the sharing of resources.
“It is a positive initiative as international communities are actively aiding suffering civilians throughout South Sudan. Suspending NGO operations was a necessary step, given the conflict over water points. Some cultural practices in Eastern Equatoria involve unnecessary disputes over water resources for animals. If insufficient, communities should organize and petition the government for more. The Commissioner of Kapoeta East made a commendable decision in allowing NGOs to continue operations,” he said.
Oriaja James, Secretary General of the Eastern Equatoria Youth Union, expressed joy at the resumption of NGO services and commended the Commissioner for prioritizing the security of humanitarian workers. He called on implementing partners in the area to heed the call for service resumption, emphasizing the importance of reaching those in need.
“I am pleased with the Commissioner of Kapoeta East County for prioritizing peace and security. When the commissioner temporarily halted operations, it was not to target the NGOs but to ensure their security as humanitarians. I urge the organizations’ management to resume normal activities and provide services. In areas of conflict, essential services are compromised. I appeal to the communities in Eastern Equatoria that conflict itself cannot lead us anywhere,” he said.