By James Innocent
Returnees arriving from Uganda to Yei River County are facing dire living conditions as the effects of ongoing insecurity continue to threaten livelihoods, according to local human rights activists.
Goro Grace, a human rights defender working with Salt South Sudan in Yei, said the returnees are encountering “difficult situations” due to persistent conflict and instability in the area.
“The insecurity, poor health conditions for women, and continued displacement of people remain major challenges,” Goro said. “Most of those affected are women and other vulnerable groups. That’s why we developed this project — to support them and promote peace in our communities.”
She noted that some women have become victims of sexual violence, while others have been forced into early or child marriages. Some children, she added, were drawn into gang groups during years of conflict. Salt South Sudan has been implementing activities in Yei Town Payam and Mugwo Payam, targeting areas most affected by the 2016 conflict.
“Our goal is to ensure peace, empower communities, and help transform lives amid the ongoing challenges in South Sudan,” Goro emphasized.
Grace Goro, the executive director of Salt South Sudan, said the current project — funded by German Cooperation, co-funded by the European Union and BMZ — has reached its completion stage. The initiative empowered local communities in Yei Town and Mugwo Payams through peacebuilding and gender programs.
“The people of Yei have endured numerous challenges, including insecurity and sexual violence, which have left many women as victims,” she said.
Morris M. Daniel, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) representative in Yei, said the RRC office is working closely with partner organizations to monitor their activities and ensure that the most affected populations receive support.
“We encourage partners to create more employment opportunities for the young people of Yei,” Daniel added.
James Wani Banja, the County Director for Planning and Peacebuilding, praised Salt South Sudan for “its tireless efforts in promoting peace in Yei River County” and urged all humanitarian partners to align their interventions with the county’s five-year strategic plan.
Among the project’s 200 beneficiaries — evenly split between men and women — is Amule Alex, a returnee from Uganda.
“When I returned to Yei, I had no job,” Alex said. “Through Salt’s training, I gained skills that changed my life. I hope they continue supporting others in our community.”
The prolonged conflict in South Sudan, which erupted in December 2013, has displaced millions of people both internally and across neighboring countries. Although relative peace has returned to some regions, insecurity and economic hardship continue to affect returnees and host communities alike.