Authorities in the Abyei Administrative Area said on Thursday that more than 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region are in urgent need of food, shelter, and other essentials.
The displaced, living in Juol-Jook in Rumamer County and in Abyei’s youth center, fled violence in neighboring areas earlier this month.
Suspected armed youth from Mayom County in Unity State attacked villages in Biemnhom County, Ruweng Administrative Area, killing civilians and some armed youth, including members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), according to officials.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Lual Chol, commissioner of Rumamer County, described the conditions of IDPs as “horrible,” with many lacking shelters, food, and basic supplies.
“They do not have plastic sheets to protect themselves from rain and cold, no proper shelters, no food, and no medicines,” he said, urging humanitarian organizations to respond quickly as the rainy season begins.
Reach Daniel, Abyei’s commissioner for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), said aid so far has been limited. He reported that Juol-Jook hosts 845 households (4,225 people), while Abyei town shelters 3,262 households (16,260 people), bringing the total number of IDPs to 4,097 households or 20,485 individuals.
Daniel said some humanitarian efforts have been made, including joint assessments led by UNOCHA and distributions by faith-based organizations such as the Bishop Gisis Relief and Rescue Foundation and Samaritan’s Purse, which provided food, temporary shelters, and toilets for about 500 households in Juol-Jook.
He added that IDPs at Abyei’s youth center had received no support until UNISFA provided 50 large tents after heavy rains disrupted their makeshift shelters, exposing children and the elderly to the elements.
Daniel said his office continues to coordinate with UNOCHA to expedite aid delivery and commended host communities for sharing scarce resources with the displaced.