By Philip Basa

Member of Parliament allied to the SPLM and representing Tombura in the National Transitional Legislative Assembly has called for the relocation of the displaced members of the Balanda community in Western Equatoria State to Juba.

Hon. Pascal Bandindi, speaking among other lawmakers from the state, described the situation as terrible, particularly in Yambio, Tombura and Nagero Counties.

He said multiple people have been displaced into the bushes, without humanitarian support and access to medication. “Therefore, we as the Balanda Community are calling for urgent intervention by the government and UNMISS to identify and relocate the displaced members of the community. The security situation remains unpredictable as civilians are still in the bush,” he said.

“There is a difference between a community and an organization. The Balanda Community has existing in Western Equatoria and lived there for years. Not every member of the community is affiliated to a political party,” he added.

Tombura County has faced conflict since 2021, which has led to displacement of people and suffering among the community members.

Currently, the lawmaker said, there is a dire humanitarian situation in Nagero, Tombura, Nazar and Yambio, which calls for urgent attention. The displacement has denied the people access to critical services, with some newborn babies having to be delivered in the fields.

“We call on President Salva Kiir to immediately intervene in the matter to avoid more suffering of the Balanda people in Western Equatoria. The level of the conflict has worsened and there is no humanitarian support to the affected.”

Jackline Gaza, a Member of Parliament from Tombura, narrated the dire condition of women and children, calling on the government to intervene and bring lasting peace in the region.

She cautioned against human rights violations in the area, where houses were burnt and property looted.

“As women, we urge government to intervene and bring the perpetrators to book. Some of the community members are unable to move freely in Yambio since the removal of Governor Alfred Futuyo. This was a political decision and the community should not be victimized,” she said.