Overview
Magwi County, South Sudan, is currently experiencing heightened insecurity due to tensions between nomadic cattle keepers and the local community. The volatile situation has resulted in significant displacement of civilians, with thousands forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the crisis, with local authorities and international partners assessing the immediate needs of the affected population.
Timeline of Events
Monday, January 27th
- The RRC County Coordinator convened an emergency meeting, attended by over 30 humanitarian partners.
- It was decided that no individual partners would conduct independent assessments in affected areas due to security risks.
- Only UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) and any willing partners in groups were authorized to conduct assessments from February 3rd to 6th.
- A group of 74 orphans from refugee camps in Uganda arrived in Moli Mission, South Sudan, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, bedding, and hygiene supplies.
Thursday, January 30th
- The security situation in Magwi County remained stable, but fear persisted among the communities in Nyolo and Ayii due to the presence of cattle keepers.
- An estimated 3,131 people were displaced, taking refuge with relatives, in various Bomas, or crossing into Uganda, Juba, Nimule, Owinykibul, and Abara:
- Lobure Boma: ~2,000 people
- Palonganyi Boma: 6 individuals
- Kilio Boma: ~700 individuals
- Amika Boma: ~100 individuals
- Central Boma: ~90 individuals
- Across border locations: ~255 individuals
- UNMISS planned a routine patrol in Agoro, Nyolo, and Ayii for Monday, February 3rd, and invited interested partners to join.
Friday, January 31st
- An incident report indicated that unknown raiders had stolen cattle in Ayii and Nyolo.
- As a result, 700 people were displaced and sought shelter in the Obama area and a military barrack in Ayii.
- The displaced population consisted mostly of women, men, and a few children, all uncertain about their future as cattle owners attempted to retrieve their livestock.
- No fatalities were reported among the community.
- A humanitarian appeal was issued to partners for urgent support to aid the 700 displaced individuals in Obama and the additional 3,500 displaced across Magwi County.
- A caution was issued to travelers heading towards Nimule, advising them to wait for further updates before proceeding.
Saturday, February 1st
- The security situation remained volatile, with no improvement from the previous day.
- Displaced persons in Ayii were in dire need of relocation.
- Concerns were raised about the lack of government intervention, which could lead to further escalation of the crisis.
- Reports emerged of possible civilian killings in Agoro, Ofriha, and Locurac, though verification was still pending.
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs) gathered in Magwi expressed fear and uncertainty.
- Humanitarian partners were advised to remain in their current locations until further updates were provided but to continue seeking support from their main offices.
Current Situation and Urgent Needs
The security situation in Magwi County remains unpredictable, with reports of ongoing violence and displacement. The affected communities are in urgent need of:
- Humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, medical supplies, and hygiene kits.
- Protection and relocation of displaced persons in Ayii to safer locations.
- Government intervention to prevent further violence and restore stability in the affected areas.
- Continuous monitoring of the security situation to provide accurate updates to humanitarian partners and affected populations.
Conclusion
The escalating conflict in Magwi County is a growing humanitarian concern. Immediate response and coordinated efforts from government authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations are crucial to addressing the urgent needs of displaced individuals and mitigating further violence. The coming days will be critical in determining the direction of the crisis, and all stakeholders must remain engaged in providing relief and advocating for a peaceful resolution.