(Lainya) – More than 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), mostly women, children and the elderly, are in desperate need of humanitarian aid after fleeing violent clashes in Morobo County. The displaced families are now taking shelter in the neighbouring Lainya County under dire conditions.
According to Remijo Lasu Peter, a member of South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly representing Morobo County, the IDPs escaped from the villages of Yaribe, Lujulo East and Nyori after renewed fighting erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).
“These civilians are now sleeping under trees without food, medicines, shelter or clean water,” MP Remijo stated. “According to international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected. The violence must end.”
Among those displaced is Akujo Betty, a mother of five now living in Jamara village. She described the suffering of her family:
“We have no food. We sleep outside, covering our children with blankets under trees. There is no medicine or safe drinking water. We ask the government and NGOs to help us.”
Amos Taban, another IDP who fled from Panyume Payam, said they had to abandon their farms and now live in a bushy environment filled with snakes.
“We have no clothes or bedsheets. Our children sleep in fear and discomfort. We just want peace so we can go home and grow our own food.”
Lainya County’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator, Salah Laurence, confirmed a steady arrival of new IDPs into Kupera Payam. His office has recorded 153 IDP households in Jamara, 125 in Mundu Boma, and 128 in Limuro Boma.
“These families need urgent assistance — food, shelter, clean water and medicine,” Salah said.
He added that a detailed report has been submitted to the State RRC for humanitarian intervention. Humanitarian organisations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and MASS have already begun rapid assessments on the ground.
In Morobo County, the RRC coordinator, Arike Timothy, acknowledged the worsening situation.
“I’ve spoken with my counterpart in Lainya. This issue needs urgent attention from the state government and national humanitarian actors,” he said, noting that his office lacks the resources to provide emergency support.
Since April 2024, over 7,000 people have been displaced in Morobo County due to escalating clashes between government forces and SPLM-IO fighters. Last month, local authorities confirmed the killing of two civilians in road ambushes, further contributing to the climate of insecurity.
In one of the most serious incidents, the MSF managed hospital in Morobo was attacked by armed men on June 20. Medical supplies were looted and two ambulances were set ablaze.
Morobo County Commissioner Data Charles Bullen described the ongoing humanitarian situation as “alarming”, warning that the wellbeing of the displaced population continues to deteriorate.
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