Red Cross Updates Central Equatoria Governor on Kajo-Keji Relief Efforts

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lieutenant General Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, on Wednesday held a meeting with Mr Daniel Bunnskog, Head of Operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The meeting focused on recent humanitarian interventions in Kajo-Keji County, where thousands of people were displaced following cross border tensions in july.

Mr Bunnskog briefed the Governor on ICRC’s response in Kajo-Keji after the reported incursion of the Uganda People’s Defence Force into Nyainga Muda, Kangapo-2 Payam, in July. He explained that the ICRC, working closely with South Sudan Red Cross volunteers, had distributed both food and non-food items to internally displaced persons.

“Together with the South Sudan Red Cross, we delivered essential food and non-food items to affected families, concluding the operation last week. We thank the State Government for sharing timely information, which enabled us to respond quickly,” Mr Bunnskog told the press after the meeting.

Mujung praised the ICRC for what he described as a remarkable effort. He said humanitarian organisations like the ICRC deserve not only recognition but also the necessary support to carry out their work effectively. He reaffirmed his government’s readiness to cooperate fully with humanitarian partners whenever needed.

Mr Mathew Abujin, Executive Director of the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, welcomed the ICRC’s intervention. He said the organisation had provided relief assistance to 16,743 displaced people in Kajo-Keji County:

“The ICRC has supported 16,743 internally displaced persons, and we commend them for this outstanding contribution. We look forward to mobilising more resources so that other affected parts of Central Equatoria State can also benefit.”

According to a statement from the ICRC’s online platforms, the Red Cross work in Kajo-Keji reflects its broader mandate to assist communities facing displacement, food insecurity and lack of basic services in South Sudan through cooperation with the State Government to ensure that urgent humanitarian needs are addressed in a timely manner.

Wednesday’s meeting follows the Governor’s earlier discussions in August with Ms Florence Gillette, the ICRC Head of Delegation, where both sides committed to strengthening humanitarian partnerships. Officials say the sustained cooperation between the State Government, the ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross is key to building resilience in Central Equatoria amid ongoing challenges.

Summary of Humanitarian Assistance in Kajo-Keji