By Chol D Johnson
Displaced people from Uror County, Nyirol, and Akobo in Jonglei state have appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance.
The call followed a sharp deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Akobo County, caused by renewed violence between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The fighting forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes in Yuai, Pathai, Motot, Pieri, Waat, parts of Nyirol County, and Akobo West (Walgak). Many of the displaced have since arrived In Akobo East after traveling for several days under harsh conditions.
Elizabeth Nyakoat Choat, speaking from Pathia Pier, said the humanitarian situation facing internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains critical.
She noted that the majority of those displaced are women, children, elderly people, and other vulnerable individuals who fled with little or no belongings.
According to local sources, the displaced walked for more than five and a half days to reach Akobo East, often without access to food, shelter, or medical services.
Most of the displaced families are currently sheltering at the Episcopal Church compound of the Akobo Diocese.
However, many lack relatives or support networks within the host community, which is itself facing severe shortages of shelter, food, and essential non-food items.
Reports from the area indicate that several children, elderly persons, and vulnerable women have died along the displacement routes due to hunger, illness, exhaustion, and lack of humanitarian assistance.
The Archbishop of the Akobo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Yoal, has called on humanitarian agencies to urgently respond to the crisis.
“The displaced people from Uror, Nyirol, and Akobo West are suffering greatly,” he said, urging immediate intervention to save lives.
He called on the parties to cease hostilities and embrace on dialogue.
The faith based leaders called on the parties to end the war in the area citing that it continue to subject people to death and suffering.
