South Sudan: 12,000 displaced persons arrive in Jonglei State fleeing from clashes in Pigi and Fangak

There is a reported influx of more than 12,000 displaced Persons moving into the Jonglei state of South Sudan, en-masse.

They have just escaped from death and their influx into Jonglei is reported to leading to the worsening situation as far as the humanitarian crisis in the state is concerned.

Official sources in Ayuod County have reported the arrival of a large number of displaced persons exceeding 12,000 individuals fleeing intense violence in Pigi and Fangak counties.

The victims suffered days of trekking through rugged terrain.

The clashes displaced persons now sheltered in public facilities such as schools and churches, are enduring harsh living conditions marked by worsening malnutrition and the collapse of essential services.

It is reported that hundreds of children are deprived of their most basic rights to education and healthcare. 

In an urgent statement, Duoth Nyuon, a prominent local official, called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to act swiftly in delivering immediate aid, particularly food and medical supplies.

These negative developments are occurring just as Jonglei State faces an escalating displacement crisis, with limited local capacity to accommodate the displaced persons.

This is posing significant challenges for humanitarian actors to mitigate the fallout before the situation spirals further.

Jonglei is the largest state in Southern Sudan occupying an area of 123,070 square kilometers.

The South Sudanese state comprises 11 counties, namely Bor, Uror, Ayod, Pibor, Akobo, Old Fangak, Nyirol, Piji (Khorflus), Twic East, Pochalla and Duk Padiet. 

Jonglei State has a total population of approximately 1.4 million residents of whom 666,795 are Nuers, 448,111 are Dinka, 110,000 Bor Murlei, 86,201 Anuak, while 38,476 are Jie and Kachipo.

Jonglei State borders Unity and Upper Nile State in the north, Ethiopia in the east, Eastern and Central Equatoria in the south and Lakes State in the west. Due to lack of infrastructure, a level of insecurity and heavy rains for most of the year, Jonglei is considered a major logistical challenge for all humanitarian operations.

The state lies in the eastern flood plain and under normal circumstances is a productive and generally food-secure precinct.