By James innocent
More than 80 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Pokula Boma, Yei River County, have received cash assistance from the Organization for African Outlook (OFAO) after months of suffering caused by conflict and displacement.
According to OFAO officials, a total of 38 million South Sudanese pounds—equivalent to about USD 8,300—was disbursed to 83 vulnerable people who fled violence in Marju Sub-Boma and Panyume Payam earlier this year.
The cash distribution, conducted on Monday, was witnessed by representatives from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), Caritas, local chiefs, OFAO staff, beneficiaries, and media representatives.
Speaking during the event, Raymond Malish Faustino, Deputy Coordinator of the Yei River County RRC, commended OFAO and its humanitarian partners for responding swiftly to the urgent needs of displaced communities.
“These families have suffered greatly since the conflict forced them to flee in July 2025,” Malish said. “We appreciate OFAO for standing with our people and helping them rebuild their lives. Each beneficiary received 460,000 South Sudanese pounds, equivalent to 100 US dollars, which they can use to buy food and essential household items.”
Malish urged recipients to use the funds wisely, emphasizing that the cash was meant to support their recovery and improve their living conditions in the settlement.
Among the beneficiaries was Betty Apai, a mother displaced from Marju Sub-Boma, who expressed her appreciation for the assistance.
“We are very grateful to OFAO for remembering us,” Apai said. “This money will help us buy food, soap, and other basic needs. We have suffered since July, and this support gives us hope.”
She also encouraged others who were not included in the current phase to remain patient as additional support may come in future distributions.
Lasuba Gabriel Henry, an OFAO representative, said the organization remains committed to assisting the most vulnerable populations affected by ongoing insecurity in Yei River County.
“Our target is to reach people displaced by recent conflicts—especially women, children, and the elderly who have been struggling to survive,” Henry explained. “We urge beneficiaries to use the money responsibly for food, salt, soap, and other essentials.”
The Deputy Head Chief of Pokula Boma, Tartijo Siwo Edward, praised OFAO and its partners for their timely intervention amid what he described as “intense suffering” among the displaced.
“Our people were forced to leave everything behind,” he said. “We thank OFAO for listening to our call for help. This assistance will make a real difference in their lives.”
His remarks echoed earlier appeals by Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, who during an Area Reference Group (ARG) meeting in August urged humanitarian partners to prioritize aid for displaced families in Pokula.
“The displaced people in Pokula have endured extreme hardship and urgently need food, shelter, and livelihood support,” the commissioner said at the time.
The recent conflict in parts of Yei and neighbouring Panyume forced hundreds of families to flee their homes in mid-2025. Many have been living in makeshift shelters in Pokula Boma, relying on sporadic humanitarian support.
OFAO’s cash transfer program is part of a broader humanitarian effort to strengthen resilience and recovery for internally displaced persons in South Sudan, in line with international humanitarian standards and the United Nations’ call for locally led, people-centered relief initiatives.