Community leaders from Greater Mundri in Western Equatoria State are planning a fact-finding mission to Mundri East County after receiving approval from the state governor, amid escalating violence that has displaced thousands and disrupted essential services for months.
The decision follows a series of violent incidents that have left families displaced, children dead and basic services, including healthcare, crippled.
The instability in Western Equatoria State began Sept. 24 when a joint force of the National Salvation Front (NAS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) seized the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Kediba. The SSPDF retook the town in early October, but clashes and troop movements have persisted.
On Nov. 10, residents near Kasiko reported that four teenage boys were shot dead and two others went missing. Community members said they have been unable to retrieve the bodies due to restrictions allegedly imposed by SSPDF soldiers.
Earlier, on Nov. 3, three people, including two children, died in Kediba Payam due to a lack of medicine after clashes forced health facilities to close, local authorities told Radio Tamazuj.
Civilians fled the Lakamadi area again on Nov. 12 following government troop movements, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Displaced families are scattered across Rokon, Tali, Lui, Mundri West and Mvolo County, where some communities are also affected by seasonal flooding.
A delegation from Greater Mundri, led by Pita Benson, the SPLM Women’s League representative for Mundri East County, met with Governor James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai in Yambio on Friday to seek clearance for their planned visit.
“We came to seek the governor’s approval so we can visit Mundri East. Many people have suffered, and we want to witness the situation and bring him a clear report,” Benson told journalists.
She said thousands of residents have fled to neighboring areas.
“Our people are scattered and living in difficult conditions. This visit will help us present their needs clearly to the state leadership,” she said.
Governor Berapai welcomed the initiative and tasked the lawmakers with acting as “ambassadors of peace and unity.” He said the assessment will help identify the extent of clashes in Kediba and the natural disasters affecting parts of Mvolo and Mundri East.
“My government stands in solidarity with all affected families. We remain committed to restoring lasting peace and stability in Western Equatoria State,” the governor said.
Berapai also reaffirmed that his administration is working on integrating civil servants who were left out during the transition from 32 to 10 states.