The local authorities in Central Equatoria State’s Morobo County said at least 150 people have been displaced in Lujule Payam in the last three days by an armed group suspected of being the National Salvation Front (NAS).
Households from the Yungufe and Arimbe areas comprising mainly women and children have been displaced and forced to take refuge at the Lujule Payam headquarters where there are government soldiers.
Naima Ajio, one of the displaced people and a mother of three, told Radio Tamazuj Monday that they had just returned from the refugee camp and expressed frustration over the latest unrest.
“We do not know where these people (rebels) stay but they just come and move door to door and start arresting young boys. On Sunday, they beat us terribly,” she lamented. “Sometimes we call the government soldiers to intervene but the group disappears to an unknown location after their operation. The government should try and calm the situation in the area such that we can get back to our homes because the situation is not good.”
Another displaced person, Abuki Amos, said they are now scared to go back to their homes yet the farming season is approaching.
“We are too scared because it is time for agriculture and we may not be able to embark on it. Since I came here yesterday (Sunday) with my family, we have not eaten anything because there is no food. We are suffering,” Amos said. “We were displaced just six months ago by the same people when some people were preparing their farms. What has happened is scary.”
For his part, Morobo County Commissioner Data Charles condemned the actions against civilians in the area and called for humanitarian assistance for the displaced families.
“The chief will be in a position to inform the security operatives in the area in case you want to go somewhere and if you are in a group, you will be provided security because the situation is not yet safe,” he stated. “For those who are remaining behind, I will come and see you in the days to come. We shall be coordinating with the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations to come and see you [displaced] people. And there is another thing, if you have registered your name here, stay in the same place.”