Displaced residents shelter in the bush during fighting in Pajut, Duk County, Jonglei State. (Courtesy photo)
Fighting in Pajut displaces more than 30,000 – official
More than 30,000 people have been displaced by fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Pajut Payam of Duk County, authorities said.
Duk County Commissioner Chatim told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that civilians fled Pajut following recent clashes and are now sheltering in Payuel, Padiet and Poktap, where humanitarian conditions are rapidly worsening.
“So far, more than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Pajut because of the fighting,” Chatim said. “These families are now scattered in Payuel, Padiet and Poktap, and they are facing an extremely dire situation.”
He said the displaced lack clean drinking water, food and access to essential medicines.
Chatim appealed to humanitarian organizations to urgently intervene to prevent further loss of life among the displaced population.
“I am appealing to humanitarian agencies to respond immediately,” he said. “The situation is critical, and without urgent assistance, many lives, especially women and children, are at serious risk.”
The local official pointed out that the area of Pajut has largely been deserted by civilians.
“At the moment, the situation in Pajut is unclear because the area has been deserted. However, some SSPDF soldiers are present at the county headquarters, while others have been seen moving toward the front line as reinforcements,” he said.
Pajut, in Jonglei State’s Duk County, has recently been the scene of intense fighting. On Friday, the SPLA-IO announced it had captured Pajut, the administrative center of Pajut Payam.
According to official figures, renewed violence between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO in northern Jonglei State has displaced more than 180,000 people since late December.
Military build-up
Meanwhile, residents in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, reported an increased military build-up following the capture of Pajut.
Local residents told Radio Tamazuj that the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces have sent reinforcements toward front lines in northern Jonglei. One resident traveling from Duk County to Bor on Saturday night said they saw several SSPDF tanks and military pickup trucks carrying soldiers in the Jalle and Baidit areas heading toward Pajut.
Other Bor residents said they saw at least 20 military pickup trucks carrying armed soldiers pass through Marol market at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, heading toward Duk County.