By Peter Kuol Kuch
The authorities in Duk County have reported that some internally displaced persons who fled Yuai and Pajut due to clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO have started to return to their original homes from Poktap and Duk Padiet following improved security in the area in the recent weeks.
Early last months, thousands of internally displaced persons were forced to flee Nyirol, Uror, Pajut and Ayod due to fear of violence between South Sudan people defense forces and SPLA-IO forces. Most of them settled in Potap and Duk Padiet and Twic East County following the clashes.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Hon. John Chatim, the Commissioner of Duk County stated that IDPS have never received any food assistance since they arrived in Duk but their return could be associated with the search for food.
“Yes, in the recent weeks following the advancement of SSPDF, capturing the towns which were invaded by IOs, Some IDPS have started to return to their homes in Yuai, and Pajut. Some have remained in Poktap and Duk Padiet.’’ John said.
Hon. Chatim stated that some of the internally displaced persons have remained in Poktak and Duk Padiet where they now on fishing although most of them don’t have adequate fishing tools.
He emphasized that the people overcrowding has led to outbreak of diseases such as cholera among other diseases.
“The situation has not been favorable to the IDPs, you know since they came, no assistance has ever been given them. So, this is situation is forcing them to return to their homes. Again, diseases such as Cholera are affecting the people and this is because of overcrowding” He said.
Few weeks ago, Jonglei State government together with Humanitarian Partners in Jonglei formed assessment committee to help assess the general situation of internally displaced persons in Duk County.
According to UN report, more than 20,000 internally displaced persons have been affected by the ongoing clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO. Women and Children are among the people mostly affected by the ongoing catastrophe