Jonglei leadership stresses on the urgent need for sustained humanitarian intervention for displaced families in Duk and Poktap

By Riak Chol

The Acting Governor of Jonglei State, Wilson Awuol Gajang on Wednesday received a high-level delegation led by Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Anita Kiki, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator, at Bor Airstrip ahead of their visit to Poktap.

The delegation, which included the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other humanitarian partners, is traveling to Poktap to assess the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and evaluate the ongoing cholera outbreak in the area.

Speaking to reporters before departure, Albino Akol Atak said the mission is focused on understanding urgent humanitarian needs and accelerating aid delivery.

“We have come to assess and see the situation of the IDPs in Poktap in order to deliver assistance to the people in need,” he said. “Our priority is to ensure that lifesaving support reaches vulnerable families as quickly as possible.”

He added that the visit would also examine the cholera outbreak and strengthen the response.

“We are equally concerned about the cholera situation, and this assessment will guide immediate health interventions,” the minister noted.

He welcomed the recent granting of access to humanitarian agencies in the northern counties of Ayod, Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo, describing it as a critical step toward reaching affected populations.

Mrs. Anita Kiki emphasized the commitment of the United Nations and its partners to support local authorities.

“The United Nations stands ready to work closely with the government to address both displacement and the cholera outbreak,” she said. “Our joint assessment will help mobilize the necessary resources and coordinate an effective humanitarian response.”

In his remarks, Acting Governor Gajang stressed on the urgent need for sustained humanitarian intervention for displaced families in Duk and Poktap. “We express the urgent need for humanitarian interventions in delivering assistance to IDPs in Duk and Poktap,” he said. “The people have suffered for too long and require immediate support.”

He also called on displaced residents to return home, assuring them of improved security.

“We urge our communities to return to their homes since the security situation is now in order, so that assistance can be delivered efficiently to the people,” the Acting Governor said.

Concluding his remarks, he thanked the visiting delegation for prioritizing Jonglei State.

 “We deeply appreciate the honorable minister and the entire team for taking the initiative to visit Poktap,” he said. “This visit demonstrates solidarity with our people and strengthens our joint efforts to respond to the humanitarian situation.”

The assessment mission is expected to inform immediate relief efforts and reinforce cooperation between the state government, national authorities, and international partners in addressing the needs of affected communities.

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“We express the urgent need for humanitarian interventions in delivering assistance to IDPs in Duk and Poktap. The people have suffered for too long and require immediate support,” said Jonglei State Deputy Governor, Wilson Awuol Gajang.