The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that thousands of people have fled recent fighting in Wau in South Sudan, many of whom have not yet received any assistance from aid groups.
“After several months of tensions in neighbouring areas, in mid-February, fighting intensified in Wau town, Western Bahr el Ghazal, leading to death, injury and displacement, mostly in the south and western parts of Wau town,” OCHA explained in a bulletin today, noting that homes were reportedly burnt down in Jebel Keer and Bazia Jedid areas.
Prior to this latest eruption of violence, about 36,950 people had already reportedly been displaced into Kosti, Baggari Jedid and Lokoloko areas from Bagari, Buseri, Bessilai and Kpaile payams outside Wau town.
“About 8,000 people are reported to be displaced in Mboro, about 30km from Wau, and in need of humanitarian assistance. High levels of insecurity in the western and southern parts of Wau town, as well as blockages at checkpoints on key road routes, have prevented humanitarian partners from reaching locations outside Wau town, while needs have continued to increase,” OCHA stated.
Tensions remain high in and around Wau town.