Food Aid Reaches Over 10,000 Displaced People in Morobo (Photos)

(MOROBO) – More than 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, have received emergency humanitarian assistance from the state government, local officials confirmed on Monday, 7 July 2025.

The assistance was delivered to 10,909 IDPs living in Morobo town and Payume Payam. It included 13 metric tonnes of assorted food items donated by the state governor, Rabi Mujunj.

The supplies were handed over by Hon. Rose Kijok, the state Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) chairperson, along with the Director General of the State Ministry of Finance, Mr. Chandiga Emmanuel Abiaza. They were accompanied by the Morobo County security coordinator and the deputy RRC coordinator for the county.

According to Arike Timothy, the Morobo County RRC coordinator, the relief items included bags of maize flour, beans, rice, sacks of salt, cooking oil and floor carpets. While the food aid has brought some temporary relief, Arike noted that many challenges remain.

“Food still remains a challenge because it’s not enough,” he said. “There is a need for more carpets, shelter materials, water guards, water filters, and medicines. We appeal to humanitarian partners to support the vulnerable IDP communities here.”

The RRC confirmed that although this intervention marks a critical step in alleviating food insecurity in the area, the humanitarian situation in Morobo remains fragile. Many displaced families still lack access to clean drinking water, adequate shelter and healthcare.

Esther Moriba, one of the displaced persons in Payume Payam, welcomed the food distribution but said the needs were still overwhelming.

“We are happy and grateful to the state government for their support,” she said, “but we still face serious challenges.”

The aid comes as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate across parts of South Sudan, particularly in counties like Morobo that have witnessed repeated displacement due to insecurity, cross-border violence and climate related disruptions.

The RRC has reiterated its call for international and local humanitarian organisations to scale up interventions, particularly as the rainy season heightens the risk of disease and worsens road access to remote areas.

The monetary value of the donated relief items was not disclosed.