Residents of several communities in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, have fled into nearby bushes after clashes were reported around a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) barracks at the Sue cantonment site, local officials and residents said.
Gunfire broke out on Saturday and continued into Sunday morning after suspected fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) attacked government forces, residents told Radio Tamazuj, prompting civilians to abandon their homes.
A community leader from Lii Rangu Payam, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said shooting was heard in Sue, Zambasende, Mamboi and Nambia areas, sparking panic among residents.
“No deaths have been confirmed, but people are hiding in the bush out of fear,” he said, adding that insecurity had disrupted farming activities and access to basic services. He also called for the reopening of the hospital in Lii Rangu and the resumption of school activities.
Another resident, Wilson Yabiba, said gunfire continued throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning, forcing families to flee with their belongings.
“People had just returned to cultivate their farms, but fear has come back. Without farming, hunger will increase,” he said, appealing to authorities to restore security.
Yambio County Commissioner Angelo Bakote confirmed that clashes had occurred in recent days, saying government forces responding to the situation were reportedly ambushed near the Nzara Road junction.
“We do not yet have confirmed information about deaths or injuries. Authorities are working to establish the facts,” Bakote said, calling for calm and stressing the need for stability to allow agricultural activities to continue.
Witnesses said families, including women and children, fled into surrounding bushes to avoid being caught in the violence.