Nearly 75,000 citizens from South Sudan’s Malakal town who sought refuge in Wau Shilluk area following the renewed fighting in the state are reporting a shortage of food and medicines amid deteriorating health conditions.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, the Upper Nile State Acting Governor Philip Akol said the displaced at Wau Shilluk area are complaining about the lack of food and other essential services.

“Around 75,000 Malakal residents fled to Wau Shilluk during the clashes between the government forces and rebels amid harsh humanitarian conditions,” he said.

He accused the opposition forces of committing atrocities against the civilians in Malakal town, also claiming that loyalist troops are now in full control of Malakal town.

“Rebels’ claims that they are still in control of Malakal is incorrect, the government is the one controlling the town,” he underscored. 

The official called on the humanitarian organizations to provide relief to the displaced.

Elsewhere, in Melut County a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) mostly women and children from Baliet and Malakal areas told Radio Tamazuj that they were experiencing a shortage of food and medicines.

“The displaced are living in an open area amid outbreak of diseases and shortage of medicines and others services, a citizen said.

“We have also run out of food that was provided by the government,” he added.

The displaced also also expressed their concern about the spread of fighting near Melut County. They called on the relief organizations to quickly intervene and provided assistance before the situation deteriorates.

Photo: South Sudanese refugees waiting in line to get food at the Dzaipi transit centre in Uganda (UNHCR/F. Noy)