By Gaaniko Jackson
Thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing worsening humanitarian conditions in Source Yubu Payam of Tambura County, Western Equatoria State.
Many families are reportedly surviving on mangoes due to severe shortages of food and assistance.
Local leaders and refugees said the situation has become critical, as displaced families continue to struggle with hunger, lack of shelter, poor healthcare, and limited access to education.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizens Daily newspaper community leader Gift Francis said the growing influx of refugees and returnees has overwhelmed the limited resources available in the area.
“The current situation facing people who fled from the Central African Republic and Congo into South Sudan is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in terms of food, healthcare, shelter, and education,” he said.
Francis explained that many parents are unable to afford school fees for their children, while poverty and hunger continue to worsen every day.
“Life is not easy for these families. At first, there was some support from organisations and individuals, but the situation is now becoming overwhelming,” he added.
According to him, many refugee families lack proper shelter and are forced to move from place to place in search of survival.
Food insecurity remains one of the biggest challenges, while humanitarian support remains limited despite the rising number of displaced people in camps and host communities.
He further raised concern over the pressure on local health facilities, saying clinics and hospitals are running short of medicines and medical supplies.
“Malaria cases are increasing, and maternity wards are struggling because of a lack of medical equipment and medicines for pregnant women and mothers,” Francis said.
He appealed for stronger coordination between humanitarian organisations, local authorities, and the government to address the growing crisis.
“These people are human beings who deserve protection, dignity, and humanitarian support,” he stressed.
Francis also called on aid agencies and partners to support refugees and returnees with farming tools, seeds, and land to help them become self-reliant.
“Many of them fled their countries with nothing and are currently depending on limited support,” he noted.
Another refugee, Luiz Peter Piere, described the difficult conditions refugees are enduring in Tambura County, saying many families are surviving with little or no food assistance.
“We are facing a lot of challenges, especially in terms of food and poverty,” Luiz said. “During this rainy season, many NGOs have not been able to provide enough food assistance. We are surviving only by the grace of God.”
He explained that most families depend on cassava and other locally available crops, but the food is not enough to sustain the growing refugee population.
Luiz also expressed concern over shortages of medicines in public health facilities.
“In terms of medicines, public hospitals do not have enough supplies. Even when medicines are provided, they are not enough to cover the entire population,” he explained.
He added that poverty has forced many children out of school because parents cannot afford school fees.
“Our children are not continuing with school because we do not have money to pay school fees,” he lamented. “We are really in a dangerous situation.”
Luiz appealed to the government, humanitarian organisations, and well-wishers to urgently intervene with food aid, medical supplies, shelter assistance, and education support.
“We are appealing to well-wishers and the government to come and help us because we do not know what to do anymore,” he said.
Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge also expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions facing refugees in Source Yubu Payam.
He said refugees are suffering from hunger, poverty, lack of education, and limited access to agricultural land, claiming that insecurity along the border areas has prevented many families from cultivating crops.
“I am appealing to humanitarian partners, the state government, and the national government to support these vulnerable people so that they can live in dignity,” Mabenge said.
The commissioner revealed that since the refugees arrived last year, at least three children have reportedly died due to poor living conditions and lack of adequate healthcare support.
“Children and elderly people are facing very difficult situations and urgently need support,” he added.
On December 30, 2025, at least 2,500 civilians from the Central African Republic reportedly fled into Source Yubu Payam in Tambura County after clashes between rebel groups and government forces erupted in the border town of Bambouti.
The displaced civilians, mostly women and children, crossed into South Sudan seeking safety but continue to live without adequate food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare, according to local authorities and residents.