By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
Residents returning to South Sudan’s Madi corridor have appealed to the government to order South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) soldiers to vacate their homes and farmlands, saying the continued military occupation is preventing displaced families from resettling peacefully.
The returnees said many civilians who fled the area during the years of insecurity are eager to come back home, but fear and uncertainty remain because armed soldiers are still occupying residential areas and community land.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, several residents expressed frustration over what they described as illegal occupation of civilian property by members of the SSPDF.
Daudi Saviour, a resident of Pageri, said families who recently returned found their homes occupied by soldiers, leaving them with nowhere to stay.
“We came back hoping to rebuild our lives, but we found soldiers living in our homes and using our land. People are afraid because the soldiers are armed,” he said.
Saviour appealed to the national government and local authorities to intervene urgently and direct the soldiers to relocate to designated cantonment sites.
“We are asking the government to help us. Soldiers should stay in their cantonments so that civilians can return and live in peace,” he added.
Halima Doreen, a resident of Loa Boma, said women and children are among the most affected because many families are now living in temporary shelters while their houses remain occupied.
“We are suffering. Some people sleep outside or with relatives because they cannot access their homes. We fear for our safety every day,” she said.
Doreen noted that several families who planned to return to Madi Corridor have changed their minds after hearing reports about the continued presence of soldiers in civilian areas.
Another resident, Droma Emmanuel Ceasor from Moli Tokuru, said the military presence has also affected farming activities and livelihoods.
“Our land is occupied, and people cannot cultivate freely. Many residents depend on farming, but now they have no access to their gardens,” he explained.
He warned that if the situation continues, it could discourage more displaced Madi people from returning home despite ongoing calls for resettlement and reconstruction in the region.
The residents collectively urged the government to prioritise civilian protection and restore confidence among returning communities by ensuring that security forces vacate occupied homes and land.
Authorities had not responded to the concerns by press time.
The Madi corridor, located in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State near the border with Uganda, has experienced repeated displacement due to insecurity and conflict over the years. Many families are now attempting to rebuild their lives after spending years in exile and displacement.