Western Bahr el-Ghazal State authorities on Monday launched a community convoy carrying emergency food and non-food items to conflict-affected residents from Nagero who have taken refuge in Kpaile Payam of Wau County.
The initiative follows a donation drive started earlier this month by the Kpaile Community Association in Wau to support internally displaced people (IDPs). The campaign, backed by residents of Wau town and Warrap State, included registration to identify households and individuals who fled fighting in Tambura County in Western Equatoria State.
Speaking at the launch in Wau’s Rabita playground, Amansio Angelo Ungom, chairperson of the Kpaile Community Association, said the group had collected more than 37 bags of assorted clothes, sorghum, groundnuts, cups and other items.
“As you can see, the convoy is going to Kpaile carrying the items we collected from the residents of Western Bahr el-Ghazal, especially Wau, to safeguard the lives of the Nagero conflict-affected population,” Ungom said.
Wau Town Mayor Joseph John Andrea praised the contribution, calling it significant support. He thanked State Governor Sharif Daniel Sharif and his deputy Zachariah Joseph Garang for enabling the association to assist the IDPs.
“We in the municipality are ready to listen to your calls, and we stand ready to help our brothers from Western Equatoria because we consider them South Sudanese and we must stand with them,” he said. He urged the displaced families to remain patient and pray for peace in Western Equatoria.
Wau County Commissioner Michael Geba said the county was planning additional assistance and was in discussions with aid agencies.
“I am very happy to see these successful arrangements made to safeguard our relatives in Kpaile,” he said. “We have our final meeting with NGOs on Wednesday to arrange a larger convoy that will be led by the government to support the IDPs. Tell them to be patient; more assistance is on the way.”
State Finance Minister Josephine Mario Ali Ugoro welcomed the launch and thanked contributors from Warrap.
“It is the result of great efforts made by the Kpaile Community Association and especially individuals from Warrap,” she said.
Officials also thanked Western Equatoria State Governor James Ateib Jas for donating 35 cartons of medical supplies to the displaced community.
Separately, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was on Monday reported to be providing cash assistance to more than 5,000 households through South Sudan Red Cross volunteers, with each IDP receiving SSP 795,000.