TONJ — Authorities in Tonj East County of Warrap State have appealed to humanitarian organizations and government agencies to urgently deliver relief assistance to communities affected by recent unrest amid the return of relative calm in the area.
The appeal comes days after the security situation, which had been disrupted by communal violence and cattle raiding, improved following efforts by local leaders, security forces, and community elders to restore peace.
The violence displaced hundreds of vulnerable people, worsening food insecurity and leaving many families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Addressing media on Friday, Machuei Bith Bol, Tonj East County Commissioner, said many families lost homes, livestock, and other property during the unrest, leaving vulnerable households in need of food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services.
“Hunger and other hardships have left people unable to cope on their own. Although most residents in the five payams have started returning to their homes, we do not have the capacity to address the situation without external assistance,” Bol said.
Bol stated that the number of individuals recently displaced has reached approximately 20,000 from the five payams, including Makuac, Ayok, Wun-liet, and Ayak.
“We have a very huge number of individuals who are struggling on their own now due to the local conflicts that have been occurring non-stop. We have been trying to coordinate, but nothing enough has come to fruition,” he said.
Bol mentioned that the most urgent issues include the food shortage, as many depend on wild foods like fruits and leaves from new vegetation.
“In the health sector, food security is closely linked to people’s well-being. Many patients visiting health facilities are suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and there is little we can do without additional support. That is why we are appealing for humanitarian assistance.”
Dominic Garang Dhal, a youth leader, stated that the county needs comprehensive rehabilitation in areas such as food, health, and counseling.
“Many people say youth are the prime factor of war, but the conflict is caused by adults, as they go home and talk about issues that ignite the local conflicts,” Garang said.
“If messages of peace are being talked about day in and day out, then we can have a total redemption, and that is what we do impart in the churches.”
Many areas in Greater Warrap and its neighboring states have experienced ongoing conflicts driven by revenge and competition over resources.
Critics suggest that local efforts by the authorities could be successful if there is a collective commitment to comprehensive disarmament.
