Excitement Surges as IDPs Receive Humanitarian Aid in Tombura County

Excitement Surges as IDPs Receive Humanitarian Aid in Tombura County

By Baraka John  

Excitement and relief have filled six Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State, following a significant humanitarian aid distribution on Wednesday. The Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (CODEP) under the catholic diocese of Tombura Yambio, provided essential supplies to over 3,000 IDPs, equivalent to about 400 households, as heavy rains continue to disrupt settlement at the camps.

The aid package included food staples such as maize flour, beans, cooking oil, and salt, alongside non-food items including blankets, mosquito nets, basins, mats, and carpets. The distribution aims to enhance shelter conditions and provide a more comfortable living environment.

Clement Paul Kumborani, an IDP at St. Mary Parish, expressed profound gratitude, noting that the new carpets and other supplies would significantly improve their temporary shelters. “We are really glad for the provision of these items. Many of us struggle daily, and these supplies will help alleviate our difficulties,” Paul said.

Mary Dominic Razorous, a 42-year-old widow with five children, highlighted the dire conditions before the aid. “Our shelters were inadequate, and rainwater often made conditions worse,” she explained. “Now, with the new mats and blankets, we can improve our living conditions and stay warmer.”

Tameregu Joseph an IDP sheltering at Gamunakpe camp, warmly welcomed the distribution of the relief items wholeheartedly, saying this has alleviated his struggle for shelter and food for his family of eight people. Joseph reiterated the weather effect on their tukuls which he said are exposed to rainwater.

 “Our shelters were in poor condition, and rainwater would often flow in, causing further discomfort and illness. With the new mats and blankets, our living conditions have improved.” 

Rosetta Bernado Yangada, a camp leader and head of women at St. Mary’s, praised CODEP’s efforts for the provision of relief aid and called for additional support.

 “While today’s aid is a great relief, we still need sanitary facilities to improve hygiene. We are appealing to other humanitarian organizations to help us in this regard,” Yangada said.

Aida Anyasio Kasima, the head of women at TOB Camp at the UNMISS site, also voiced appreciation for the aid, emphasizing its importance for the camp's most vulnerable residents. She highlighted the need for wheelchairs for disabled and paralyzed individuals, who face significant challenges.

“The aid we received is vital, but we still need more support for the disabled members of our community,” Kasima added.

Tombura County has experienced two waves of inter-communal conflict, with the first outbreak reported in 2021 displacing around 80,000 people, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The conflict has driven many to seek refuge in nearby counties and towns, including Ezo, Yambio, Nagero, Namutina, Wau, Nzara, and Moso.