Western Equatoria State’s Acting Governor, Hon. Justin Joseph Marona, has sounded an alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the state, appealing to the Red Cross and international aid agencies to act swiftly to save lives in Nagero, Mundri East, and Tombura Counties, where thousands of civilians are struggling to survive after months of violence, displacement, and hunger.
Addressing the media in Yambio on Wednesday, Marona described the situation as “dire and heartbreaking,” emphasizing the need for urgent relief operations targeting children, women, and the elderly the most vulnerable groups in the ongoing humanitarian emergency.
“Our people are suffering beyond imagination, the elderly, women, and children are the most affected. I call on the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations to urgently respond to the humanitarian needs before lives are lost,” Marona said.
He further condemned individuals pursuing political interests at the expense of citizens, saying their actions have prolonged instability and deprived communities of basic services.
“The people of Western Equatoria are not asking for political positions; they want water, roads, hospitals, and peace. Those who continue to sacrifice lives for political gains must stop,” Marona stated firmly.
In Nagero County, local authorities report that civilians have fled into the bush following aerial bombardments and armed confrontations. Many are now sheltering under trees without food, clean water, or medical assistance.
In Mundri East, persistent insecurity has blocked major supply routes, leaving families isolated and humanitarian agencies unable to reach them. In Tombura, thousands of displaced residents continue to live in temporary shelters after inter-communal fighting destroyed villages last year.
The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) estimates that over 25,000 people across the three counties require immediate humanitarian support including food, shelter, and medical care.
Responding to the governor’s appeal, Mr. Singira Robert, the Manager of the South Sudan Red Cross Yambio Branch, confirmed that the Red Cross is mobilizing resources to assist affected communities but stressed that access and funding remain major obstacles.
“We are deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Western Equatoria,” Singira said.
“Our teams are assessing the needs on the ground in coordination with partners, but we urgently require logistical and financial support to reach the most vulnerable families.”
He added that ongoing insecurity and impassable roads have hampered timely intervention, especially in remote areas such as Bandalla Payam and MaringiBoma in Nagero County.
“Humanitarian response in parts of Nagero and Tombura remains extremely difficult. We call upon all humanitarian partners to work together to ensure no family is left behind,” Singira urged.
Marona also appealed to the inter-faith and faith-based groups to redouble efforts toward peace and reconciliation, assuring them of the state government’s full cooperation in resolving conflicts peacefully.
“Our churches and faith-based organizations have been the moral pillars of peace, the government stands ready to work hand in hand with them to restore harmony among our communities,” he noted.
The deepening humanitarian crisis in Western Equatoria reflects a broader national emergency. Across Western Bahr el Ghazal, similar conditions are unfolding after last week’s reported airstrike in Jur River County near Wau, which displaced hundreds of families and worsened food insecurity.
Likewise, Central Equatoria continues to experience a steady influx of displaced persons from neighboring states, straining already limited humanitarian resources. Aid agencies warn that unless immediate support is scaled up, South Sudan could face one of its most severe humanitarian seasons since the signing of the 2018 peace agreement.
As Acting Governor Marona concluded by lamenting that.
“This is not the time for blame or politics it is a time for compassion, the lives of our people must come first, and we must act now.”