Over 5,200 civilians in Liirangu in Western Equatoria State are facing a severe medication shortage due to ongoing insecurity.
In response, the state government has approved humanitarian support to ensure that aid reaches the affected communities.
Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa confirmed that humanitarian organizations were permitted to provide assistance. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the area despite the insecurity.
“We have total political will to continue supporting the community in Liirangu. The support must continue,” Rimbasa stated.
“The people around Liirangu are government soldiers, not enemies. This operation cannot be halted because the government and the people are there. We are at peace with the SPLM-IO, but the area was illegally occupied by them. The SPLM-IO is supposed to stay in the controlled area. We do not have any place for illegal barracks or control materials.”
Governor Rimbasa also highlighted the importance of ensuring that health services in Liirangu continue uninterrupted.
“There is a health center in Liirangu. According to international humanitarian law, no military should occupy a hospital. This hospital must remain operational and we are working to ensure humanitarian organizations can access the area and provide services. The International Rescue Program (IRP) and other partners have already begun assisting, and we will continue to support them,” he added.
The acting governor also reiterated the commitment to respecting humanitarian and international laws, ensuring that civilians have access to essential services, including healthcare.
Health Minister James Abdallah confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that CMMB, the key partner in health delivery in Liirangu, had informed his ministry of the dire situation.
“There has been a lack of accurate information from the ground, which prompted the need for direct intervention,” Abdallah explained.
“We have now received reports indicating that approximately 5,200 people in Liirangu urgently need health services.”
Yambio CMMB Program Director Richard Lako also confirmed the dire health situation and expressed gratitude for the state government’s support, which allowed humanitarian teams to assess the situation.
“We are here with the State Ministry and our partners to conduct assessments in the affected facilities. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue our work and provide essential services to the people of Liirangu,” he stated.
With the government’s approval, humanitarian organizations were working to address the urgent health needs in Liirangu, ensuring that civilians receive medical support amidst the challenges.