Ezo County Commissioner, Abel Sudani speaking on Eye Radio's Dawn show on Thursday 9th Feb 2023. (Credit: Awan Moses/Eye Radio)

EZO, Western Equatoria State (Eye Radio) – Over 800 individuals from the neighboring Central African Republic (CAR) have crossed into Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, following a surge in clashes over the past two weeks, according to local authorities.

Ezo County Commissioner Abel Sudan told Eye Radio on Thursday, January 22, that approximately 200 refugee households have arrived in Bariguna Payam, with new arrivals continuing to cross the border daily.

The Commissioner has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian intervention, describing the refugees’ current living conditions as critical.

Due to a lack of formal transit centers or designated camps, the refugees are currently scattered among local host communities. Commissioner Sudan noted that while the residents of Bariguna have opened their doors, the limited space and resources are being stretched to their breaking point.

“The situation is bad because they have nothing,” Commissioner Sudan stated. “Once you are displaced from your place of origin, you become vulnerable to every hardship. They are currently scattered within the host communities, trying to find a way to survive.”

Local authorities have urged the new arrivals to gather in a centralized location to ensure that international aid agencies can effectively provide relief.

“We told them to stay in one place so that the UNHCR and other agencies can access them and advise on the next steps,” the Commissioner added.

The influx comes at a time when Western Equatoria is already managing internal displacements, further complicating the response.

Commissioner Sudan confirmed that both the state government and humanitarian organizations are expected to arrive in Bariguna Payam shortly to conduct a formal assessment of the situation.