The violence, which local authorities say began earlier this month, has forced large numbers of residents to flee their homes, with many now sheltering in schools and other makeshift locations. Among the worst affected are more than 150 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Minga Payam, who are currently taking refuge at Gwori Primary School in Lui Payam.
The displaced families are living in dire conditions, with limited or no access to food, shelter, or basic household items. Speaking to Sudans Post, the IDPs’ team leader, Joseph Gyima, said most families fled with nothing as violence engulfed their communities.
“We came here with nothing. We fled just to survive, and now it is up to the government to think about us. There is no food, no cooking utensils, and we do not even have clothes to wear,” Gyima said, describing the situation as critical.
Survivors have also recounted traumatic experiences during the attacks. Victoria Sylvester, one of the displaced, said she lost her son in the violence and has been unable to properly bury him.
“As I speak, I lost my son in the incident. The most painful part is that he was not properly buried, and I fear what will happen to his body during the rainy season,” she said.
Local authorities say the crisis extends beyond Lui Payam. Hundreds of other displaced residents are reportedly sheltering in different locations, including about 500 people in Jambo and more than 350 in Minga Muaga Payam. The use of schools as temporary shelters has disrupted learning, raising concerns about the longer-term impact on education.
Lui Payam Administrator Mura Monica Pasquale described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention from the government and humanitarian partners.
“Those affected in Minga are our brothers and sisters. I appeal to our communities and partners to support them because their condition is extremely bad and requires collective action,” she said.
Pasquale added that local authorities have identified land to relocate the displaced families, but lack the resources to facilitate the move. She appealed for support from aid agencies, particularly the provision of plastic sheets to enable IDPs to construct temporary shelters.
According to a report by the Greater Mundri Community Organisation, the violence has also led to widespread looting of livestock, with hundreds of cattle and goats stolen.
Officials allege that the attacks were carried out by armed cattle herders from Terekeka County in neighbouring Central Equatoria State, targeting farming communities in Mundri.
Authorities warn that the situation remains tense, with an urgent need for humanitarian assistance and measures to prevent further escalation.
