Thousands of people displaced by recent fighting in Jonglei State are facing severe humanitarian conditions in Pigi County, local leaders said Tuesday.
Riek Malual, a displaced resident and head of the group now in Pigi, said people fleeing Nyirol and Uror counties arrived with nothing and are struggling for shelter, food, and clothing. The displaced are scattered across areas including Wunlam, Wunkiir, Gokjak, Khorfulus, and Canal.
“I am heading the displaced persons here in Pigi. We appeal to humanitarian organizations to assist County Commissioner Deng Thon, who is accommodating us but cannot meet our needs alone,” Riek told Radio Tamazuj.
John Yany Gony, a youth representative for the displaced, said many are surviving on water lilies and forest honey, but resources are insufficient due to falling river levels.
“We call on the government of South Sudan to support us. Most of the people fleeing Nyirol and Uror counties have come here for safety,” he said.
Mary Nyawat Deng, a women’s representative, said widows and children are among the most vulnerable. “We need shelter and food. The commissioner has been helping with transportation, but more support is required,” she said.
William Deng, head of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Pigi, said the county has received 5,403 households, or roughly 32,480 people, since last month. He echoed calls for government and humanitarian aid.
Suleiman Deng Thon, Pigi County Commissioner, said the displaced face shortages of food, shelter, and health services. “We appeal to the national and state governments to coordinate with humanitarian organizations to support the displaced,” he said.
Fighting between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO has displaced tens of thousands of civilians in Jonglei since December 2025.