Over 4,000 people who fled the ongoing fighting in predominantly Lou Nuer-occupied areas of Jonglei State remain without shelter and healthcare services in the neighboring Pigi County, officials and residents said.
Fighting escalated in the northern parts of Jonglei State, particularly in Nyirol, Uror, Ayod, and later Akobo counties, since the beginning of the year, uprooting thousands from their homes, subjecting them to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, locals and representatives of the displaced said they sleep under trees, raising fears of waterborne disease outbreak as rains begin.
“Since March, following the fighting in Nyirol, more than 4,000 people were displaced from there and arrived in the Khorfulus areas of Pigi County,” said Pur Paul, a local chief. “Thank God, they recently received food, but there is no shelter or access to quality education and health services.”
The community leader appealed to aid agencies to continue with humanitarian interventions by providing shelter and scholastic materials for school-age children.
Meanwhile, Nyamal Ruon, a representative of the displaced people, appreciated county authorities for their hospitality and urged further intervention.
“We should be thankful that we received food after arriving from Pading, Nyrol,” she said. “The only problem is that we are sleeping under trees, so we need help.”
For his part, Pigi County Commissioner Suleiman Deng also highlighted that there are fears of an imminent health crisis as the rains begin because the displaced people are exposed to the elements. He appealed for humanitarian intervention.
“Recently, we received food aid for our IDPs from our partners; however, thousands sleep in the open, and their condition is dire, so we appeal for intervention,” he said.
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