More than 1,600 people sheltering in a primary school in Eastern Equatoria State are in urgent need of food, medicine and basic supplies after fleeing renewed conflict, according to displaced families and a local official.
The 1,628 internally displaced people in Torit County fled fighting last month between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in Iluma and Iholong villages. They now crowd into the Imurok Primary School, with as many as 50 people sharing a single classroom without mosquito nets.
“We cannot remain in a school; we are desperate for tents and mosquito nets for our children, breastfeeding mothers, and elders,” said Anyese Ibalu, a mother of six living at the site. “The Government must unite with our sons in the bush and facilitate their safe return to end this ongoing suffering.”
The recent conflict is part of a longer cycle of violence in the area. Last month, clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in the Ifwotu area resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of homes.
Ibalu told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that her family’s resources were devastated. “We have nothing left at home since all our food and animals including chickens and goats have been taken. How can we even begin to think of going back?”
Sub Chief Osfaldo Oyani Jedeune of Iluma confirmed the crisis, noting the displaced are surviving on scant contributions from the local Imurok community and foraging for wild food. “We are in a severe crisis,” he said. “I urge the Government to step in and offer much-needed assistance.”
John Andrew Luka, another displaced person, described overcrowded and unsafe conditions and voiced fear of returning home. “We cannot go back until the conflict stops,” he said.
Charles Joshua Lokurudek, Bishop of Grace International Ministry, said he would advocate for more support. He said the Red Cross South Sudan Torit Branch and health partners have committed to visiting the area to provide assistance.