Local authorities in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State are appealing for the provision of urgenyt humanitarian assistance to over 1,000 displaced people who recently fled clashes in the region.
More than 1,000 people, primarily women, children, and the elderly, are facing a severe humanitarian crisis in Pokula, Yei River County, following recent conflicts that forced them to flee their homes in Payume and Marju.
Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme visited the area on Friday to assess the situation firsthand.
He described the conditions as “a painful situation that requires urgent humanitarian response,” noting that many of the displaced have been sleeping in the open without access to food, shelter, education, or healthcare.
Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable, with many lacking essential medical attention.
According to the county authority the displaced community, who have been living in hardship for nearly two months, are struggling to survive.
Rose Neyema, one of the displaced, shared their daily struggle, stating, “We are suffering in the bush without shelter, food, or medicine. Many of us go hungry because we cannot access our farms or markets due to fear and harassment from armed groups.”
In response to the dire circumstances, Commissioner Taban has called on young people in the community to help build temporary shelters and urged everyone to be vigilant against potential disease outbreaks like cholera, as local hospitals are short on essential drugs.
He also appealed for calm and encouraged residents to support those in need until humanitarian aid arrives.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the commissioner’s visit, with Pokula Executive Chief Sebit Felix praising the show of concern for a community that has gone without aid for so long. He also noted the “peaceful coexistence between host communities and the displaced,” a positive sign despite the difficult conditions.
Amid the suffering, SSPDF Area Commander Joseph Garangsought to provide reassurance, encouraging families to “hold onto faith in God, because every suffering has an end.”
The commissioner and community leaders have emphasized their appeals for urgent intervention from humanitarian partners to address the worsening crisis.
