Photo Credit| Deng Dimo

More than 5,000 people displaced by recent intercommunal violence in Jur River County of Western Bahr el Ghazal State are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, local authorities have said.

The displaced families fled Achong Chong in Wan-Bai Payam following clashes involving communities from Apuk Giir and Wan-Bai. They are now sheltering in Tharkueng Payam, where they are living in difficult conditions with limited access to basic services.

Residents told Eye Radio they lost their homes and belongings during the violence and are struggling to survive without food, clean water, shelter and other essential items.

The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator for Wan-Bai Payam, Lino Dhel, said the displaced people began arriving in Tharkueng on 14 June after the violence erupted.

“These people started fleeing here on 14 June this year following the violence that happened. They have been accommodated by the executive chief and the payam administrator, but they have not received any assistance despite our reports submitted to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission,” Dhel said.

According to Dhel, local authorities have repeatedly reported the situation to the relevant agencies, but the displaced families are yet to receive humanitarian assistance.

Jur River County Commissioner Santino Manut Akec acknowledged the appeal and pledged to raise the matter with both the Western Bahr el Ghazal State government and authorities in neighbouring Warrap State.

“I will forward their request to the state governor, his deputy governor, and Warrap State authorities to come and address the matter,” Akec said.

The commissioner also urged the governments of Western Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states to work together to respond to the humanitarian needs of the displaced communities and address the underlying causes of the conflict.

The displaced families are appealing to the government and humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance, including food, clean water, medical supplies and shelter materials.