At least 84,600 internally displaced people (IDPs) remain stranded in remote areas of Tambura County in Western Equatoria State, facing severe shortages of clean drinking water, food, and essential medicines, local authorities and residents have said.
The affected families, most of whom have recently returned to their communities after months of insecurity, say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with many households struggling to access basic services.
A resident told Radio Tamazuj that health services in the area have nearly collapsed due to the lack of medicines.
“The hospital has been empty since the drugs brought last year got finished, and we only receive malaria doses, and up to now, there are no other medicines,” the resident said. “If the government and partners can support us, they should support the Tambura community with drugs. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are dying due to a lack of medications.”
For his part, Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge confirmed to this publication that more than 84,600 IDPs are currently stranded and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
“People have returned, and there are no more attacks, but they are facing a severe lack of water, food, and medicines,” he stated.
He added that the situation deteriorated after UNMISS left the area, noting that key equipment used to supply clean water was looted.
“Since UNMISS left, people are stranded. Rebels stole solar water equipment and other items,” Commissioner Mabenge said. “There are no trucks to fetch water, and the forces cannot carry water for the IDPs.”
He said UNMISS previously provided critical support, including water delivery and protection, but the community is now exposed and struggling.
“UNMISS was supporting a lot, fetching water and providing protection, now the situation is not good—no water, no food, and no agricultural tools,” he lamented. “Grass and farms were burnt by criminals.”
Meanwhile, State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona acknowledged the shortage of medicines across Western Equatoria State, including Tambura, saying the crisis is linked to limited budget allocation.
“All counties, including Tambura, are facing a lack of medicines because of the budget,” he said. “Medicines are on the way. Within two days, medicines will be transported and delivered to Tambura, Ezo, Nagero, Mundri East, and other areas.”
Minister Arona added that humanitarian partners are planning to provide health support to Tambura and other affected counties, and urged residents to remain hopeful.
Local authorities and community members are now calling for immediate intervention from the government and humanitarian partners to provide emergency food, restore water supply systems, and deliver life-saving medicines.
Commissioner Mabenge also appealed to armed groups to stop violence and allow peace to prevail.
“We urge rebels to put down their guns so people can live together and avoid insecurity,” he said.