The community members made the appeal during Governor Louis Lobong’s visit to their sheltering site in Magwi County on Tuesday.

By Theophilous Ochang

Some of the displaced persons from Abara and Agoro Payam of Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, are appealing for humanitarian assistance such as food and non-food items.

The community members made the appeal during Governor Louis Lobong’s visit to their sheltering site in Magwi County on Tuesday.

According to the displaced persons, their properties and food items were looted and burnt by the Jonglei cattle herders.

In an inclusive interview with the media on Tuesday, Achola Alic, an internally displaced person from Agoro chomboro, who currently shelters in Magwi Town, expresses concern over the worsening situation, exacerbated by lack of food and sleeping mats.

“We are in a difficult situation. People are hungry and we are sleeping down on the floor. We also lack water. All we are asking for is that we are supported with food and mats to sleep on,” he said.

Joska Achan, another displaced person who flee Agoro a week ago in search of safety in Magwi town also described the situation as dire.

“I have finished one week here and life is so difficult. We are don’t have anything as our properties were burnt in the houses. We have nothing. We need help urgently,” he said.

On her part, Sarah Alonyo, a displaced Person from Abara, appealed to humanitarian partners and organizations to come to their rescue.  

“I have spent four days here and what I have seen is suffering. Children have nothing to eat. They can’t access porridge, or a suitable place to sleep. They have resorted to crying every time. I am requesting the humanitarian agencies to help us with proper shelter, and blankets,” she said.

Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong, assured the displaced persons of his administration’s commitment to providing urgent assistance to them.

Lobong called on the displaced populations in Magwi not to flee to any neibouring countries.

“You should not run from your areas. Nobody should think of going to Uganda or Kenya. Let us stay in our place here. We met with some partners in the state and I am sure they are working towards helping you. We will soon call on you to return to your own places,” Governor Lobong said.

On Wednesday, chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Eastern Equatoria State said more than 21,000 people have been displaced in parts of Magwi County.

“I have spent four days here and what I have seen is suffering. Children have nothing to eat. They can’t access porridge, or a suitable place to sleep,” Sarah Alonyo, a displaced Person from Abara.