The Commissioner of Duk County, Peter Latjor Chuol, said that more than 5,000 people, who were displaced from their homes in neighbouring Bieth State, arrived in Duk County.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, March 1, Chuol said the displaced, who arrived at the Duk County headquarters, are in urgent need of food and water.

Chuol came to Bor to brief Jonglei State Governor, Philip Aguer, and humanitarian organisations about the dire situation in his county, appealing for support.

“My people in the county are hungry. The recent fighting in Bieth State has displaced about 5,625 people and they are now in my county making the situation worse,” Chuol said.

The commissioner is concerned that the number arriving in his county would increase in the coming days, saying it is only a five hours walk. He added that the situation could turn into a “disaster” if no humanitarian assistance arrives before the rainy season starts.

Last month, government forces and rebels loyal to former First Vice President, Riek Machar, clashed in Yuai, Bieth State.

“Heavy fighting has taken place in Upper Nile and Jonglei, and on February 20, more than 30 humanitarian workers were relocated from Yuai following clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the SPLA-in Opposition (SPLA-IO),” a UNICEF South Sudan Humanitarian Situation Report from February 28, states.

On February 20, a famine was officially declared in parts of Unity State. Approximately 100,000 people are currently facing starvation, with an additional one million close to famine.

Photo: The Commissioner of Duk County, Peter Latjor Chuol, during an interview in Bor on March 1, 2017. (Radio Tamazuj)