The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Justin Joseph Marona, has appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance for more than 10,000 internally displaced people in Mundri East County following months of conflict and cattle-related violence that left at least 22 people dead.
The displacement was triggered by clashes involving communities in Mundri East and Mundari cattle herders, forcing residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in various locations across the county.
Speaking after a meeting with Mundri East Paramount Chief Levi Keliopa Sonduku in Juba on Friday, Marona said displaced families in Minga, Lozo, Jambo South, Rokon and surrounding areas were facing acute shortages of food, clean water, healthcare and education services.
He called on the national government, Western Equatoria State authorities, United Nations agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners to urgently provide food and non-food assistance to affected communities.
Marona also appealed for the rehabilitation of the road linking Mundri East to Kediba Payam, saying improved access was needed to facilitate humanitarian operations and service delivery. He further called for increased support to Lui Hospital, which he described as the main health facility serving the area.
He said women and children were among the worst affected due to inadequate medical supplies and overstretched health services.
Marona welcomed progress under the Rokon Peace Consensus signed between Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states, saying it had contributed to a reduction in hostilities in parts of Mundri East and Mundri West counties.
He said discussions were ongoing between authorities from both states to facilitate the recovery of stolen cattle and strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities.
“The people of Mundri East should not continue to suffer because of violence. The government is working on recovery programmes aimed at healing communities and restoring stability,” he said.
He added that communities were also struggling with poor infrastructure, including damaged bridges, deteriorated roads and limited access to clean water.
Paramount Chief Levi Keliopa Sonduku said there had been progress in implementing the Rokon Peace Consensus and called for its full implementation by all parties.
He commended Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, Deputy Governor Marona and President Salva Kiir Mayardit for their efforts to promote peace and development, and urged unity between communities in Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states.
“South Sudan has one president, and there is no need for conflict, violence or killings along the Juba-Yambio road. The people of Mundri East want peace, education, health services, security and development,” he said.
Mundri East County Commissioner Charles Koro told Radio Tamazuj that many displaced people were still living in difficult conditions.
“The humanitarian situation remains critical. Displaced families urgently need food, shelter, medical assistance and other basic necessities. Despite repeated appeals, many affected communities have not yet received adequate support,” he said.
He added that several households lost property during the violence, while food stocks and other essential items were looted.
“Twenty-two people were killed during the violence, and many others fled their homes. They are stranded and in urgent need of assistance from both humanitarian organisations and the government,” he said.
On April 30, officials from Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states oversaw the recovery and handover of cattle taken during communal violence in Rokon. Authorities said 11 cattle were returned to the Moru community after clashes in Kotobi Payam’s Titi Dola area, which left several people dead and displaced others.
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