Thousands of civilians have fled their homes in the besieged town of Narus, the capital of Kapoeta East County in Eastern Equatoria state, amid escalating clashes between government forces and opposition fighters, local officials said Friday.
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have been fighting in the area since earlier this week, forcing residents, mostly women and children, to seek refuge in nearby bushland.
Narus lies near the South Sudan–Kenya border, along the main road linking Kapoeta to Nadapal and onward to Kenya.
John Lokwar, the paramount chief of Kapoeta East County, described the situation in Narus as “chaotic,” telling Radio Tamazuj that the conflict had entered its fourth consecutive day.
“Narus is engulfed in turmoil. The gunfire has intensified, and many residents are wounded. Initially, there were casualties, and now the fighting has erupted once again,” he said. “The streets are deserted; townspeople have all sought shelter in the bushes, suffering from severe thirst and lack of food. All shops remain shuttered, and the atmosphere is filled with fear and desperation. I can confirm two fatalities, a civilian and a soldier, but many more are injured as the conflict rages on.”
Lokwar said only men remained in the town, while women and children continued to endure “unimaginable suffering in the bush.”
Christine Nakwar, a member of the state parliament representing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), echoed Lokwar’s concerns.
“These are rebel forces, who strike and retreat,” she said. “Some civilians have escaped toward areas where they can access water and food in their villages. My plea is directed to those instigating this turmoil: please cease the violence. If there are grievances, let’s address them through government dialogue, following the appropriate channels. Continuing this bombardment will only result in the tragic deaths of innocent people.”
Flora Anyu, deputy women’s leader of Eastern Equatoria state, described the hardships faced by displaced women and children in Narus.
“It is undeniable that we have been receiving reports of violence in Narus since the day before yesterday. Conflicts of this nature invariably affect women and children the most. The area is remote and bordered by Kenya, making escape even more challenging,” she said.
“Those involved in this conflict are our sons and brothers. This turmoil is detrimental to us all. We urge them to spare the women from suffering. The ongoing hardships faced by women and children in the bushes are unacceptable. I urge our men to seek understanding among themselves and allow peace to flourish,” she added.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesman for SPLA-IO, said in a statement that Narus is under siege by their forces and that civilians should remain in place. He added that no vehicles were allowed to travel in or out of Kapoeta for safety reasons.
SSPDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang could not be reached for comment on the situation in Narus.