A patrol of United Nations peacekeepers recently undertook a challenging journey to the remote town of Deim Zubeir in South Sudan’s north-western corner of Raja County.
This is after having assessed the security and humanitarian situation in a community struggling with severe food shortages, limited access to basic services, and an influx of refugees from the conflict in Sudan.
The journey itself highlighted the significant challenges facing the region. The 300-kilometer trip, which should have taken a few hours, stretched over an entire day due to heavily damaged roads.
The convoy navigated deep, muddy pits, with vehicles having to cross one by one. The stagnant water also posed a health risk, with several peacekeepers contracting malaria and requiring a medical evacuation according to UNMISS statement.
Despite these obstacles, the peacekeeping team met with community members, security services, and local authorities to understand their needs. The condition of the roads emerged as a top concern.
“The road from Raja to Wau and onto the capital Juba is a lifeline for our communities,” said County Commissioner Addison Arkangelo Musa. “The conditions are very bad and there is a risk that, at any time during the rainy season, we can be cut off.”
Commissioner Musa added that the poor road conditions have a direct impact on the local economy, as traders must raise prices to compensate for transportation difficulties.
While local youth have been mobilized to carry out repairs, the community is in need of support from the state and national governments, including technical expertise and equipment.
The patrol also visited the Dulu cantonment site, where forces awaiting integration into the National Unified Forces are facing significant challenges.
“We are facing significant challenges, including a lack of food, medication and other basic services,” said Major General Musa Dakumi, who reported that information about the situation has been sent to Juba.
Amidst the difficulties, the community is focused on building resilience. “People want to be self-reliant and to contribute to the economic growth of Western Bahr El Ghazal,” said Commissioner Musa, who noted that this year’s rainy season was two months late, which will impact local farmers.
In a show of support for these efforts, military peacekeepers from Bangladesh donated packages of vegetable seeds to vulnerable community members.
Khadija Matar Zubeir, a 52-year-old returnee who fled conflict in 2016 and recently returned from Sudan, received seeds to help her restart her farm.
“These seeds will help me make a fresh start and restore my dignity in supporting my own family rather than living off humanitarian aid,” she said.
Major Ataur Suzan, an UNMISS peacekeeper, described the donation as a small example of the mission’s broader efforts to support the people of Raja in developing livelihoods, promoting sustainable agriculture, and collectively building peace.