Villagers in Lasu Demand Security Guarantees on Yei-Libogo Road

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Villagers in Lasu Payam of Yei River County have appealed for greater security guarantees along the Yei-Abegi-Mitika-Lasu-Libogo road following recent clashes between government forces and armed opposition groups.

Fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and a combined force of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) erupted last weekend in Lasu and Libogo.

Although calm has since returned, residents remain fearful of travelling the road, which links their villages to Yei town.

Civilians say they fear renewed clashes could cut them off from accessing markets, health services and family members. Some are urging both the government and opposition forces to respect civilians in areas under their control and to allow unhindered access to essential goods such as salt, medicine and food supplies available in Yei town.

A villager who identified himself only as Morris for security reasons appealed to both forces to choose dialogue over violence.

“We are tired of war, and we call on the soldiers to engage in peace talks so that we can return to farming and produce food for the country.”

Another resident, Jackline from Rubeke boma, said many villagers remain reluctant to travel despite relative calm on the road.

“We want peace and protection of civilians so that pregnant mothers and sick people can access better health services in Yei town. We call on the soldiers from both sides to cease violence and implement peace talks to end our suffering.”

In response, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces moved to reassure civilians. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Machar, the SSPDF director for civil-military relations and public information in Central Equatoria State, confirmed to Access Radio that the Yei-Abegi-Lasu-Libogo road is operational and safe for public use.

“The civil population should not fear using the Yei-Lasu-Libogo road because the situation is normal and the road remains operational. We call on the population not to fear. The road is safe for movement,” Machar stated.

Efforts to obtain comment from SPLA-IO representatives were unsuccessful.

The clashes come in spite of the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), which called on all armed groups to protect civilians, allow free movement of humanitarian organisations and prevent abductions or destruction of civilian property.

For many residents of Yei River County, security along the road remains critical for access to markets, schools and hospitals in Yei town. Without guaranteed safety, villagers say their daily lives and livelihoods will remain under constant threat.

 Civilian Concerns