Dear Honorable Minister,
I would like to bring to your attention the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence at the Juba Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps.
The loss of two young lives last week and the numerous injuries are indeed distressing and highlight the critical need for increased security measures in the area. The appropriate law enforcement and security personnel must be deployed promptly to ensure the safety and protection of the individuals residing in the camp.
Additionally, efforts must be made to address the root causes of the violence and to provide support and resources to prevent further instances of harm. I strongly urge a swift and comprehensive response to this urgent situation to safeguard the lives and well-being of those affected.
The lack of police forces and law enforcement in the Juba IDP camps has created a severe level of insecurity for its residents. To protect themselves from the gangs that terrorize the camp, people are forced to arm themselves with sticks and spears during the evening hours. This desperate measure is an attempt to at least deter potential attackers and safeguard their lives.
Tragically, these makeshift defense measures are not enough to prevent incidents of violence within the camps. The consequences of these violent encounters are dire, often resulting in multiple injuries and deaths among the residents. It is worth noting that the daily occurrences of attacks and property theft within and around the IDP sites indicate a perpetual state of fear and vulnerability for the people living there. The absence of a single day without an assault or looting further illustrates the prevailing dangers faced by the residents.
In summary, the Juba IDP camps suffer from a severe lack of security, with no organized police forces to enforce law and order. This has led to a situation where the residents have to resort to arming themselves with primitive weapons to protect themselves from gangs. However, these measures are often insufficient, and a significant majority of incidents, resulting in injuries and deaths, occur within the camps. The daily occurrence of attacks and property theft highlights the ongoing insecurity and fear experienced by the residents.
Michael Thak Nguany Jal, the writer, is an Inclusion and IDP advocate and Director at Nile Youth Development Action (NYDA). He can be reached via thaknguany12@gmai.com or jalbadeng@outlook.com and WhatsApp: +211916698541 or +211920101021