Over 700 people who have been moved out of Masana Beera military training center on the outskirts of Wau town need shelter, residents said Thursday.

In December 2019, troops from both the government and the opposition were transported to Masana Beera training centre to establish a unified force. Hundreds of civilians who were occupying government houses in the centre were moved out by the relevant authorities.

Justina Amel, one of those affected, said they live under mango trees without services. “Our children are suffering from malaria, flu and some of them have been admitted to Wau Teaching Hospital. We lack water, blankets and mosquito nets,” Amel said.

She added, “We left the houses not because of to rebel activities or conflict, but were moved out by the government due to the training of joint forces”.

Amel said up to 750 people are affected.

William Malek, an area youth, said they willingly accepted to move out of Masana Beera centre for the sake of peace implementation, but were disappointed by the state authorities.

“We accepted to be under trees because of peace, but government should not leave us to lose hope. The government should visit us to see our situation,” he said.

Dor Majok, the Muslim Sheikh of Masana Beera, urged the relevant authorities to look into situations of suffering women and children.

“We are in a bad situation. We were in government houses, but we accepted to move out for the sake of peace. They are supposed to appreciate us because we vacated the houses without any problem. We are currently living under trees as if we are not citizens of South Sudan,” he said.

For her part, the mayor of Wau municipality, Elizabeth Mario urged the affected citizens to be patient as the state government works to find solutions.