Refugees from Central Africa Republic currently camping at RiiYubu in South Sudan Requires Urgent Humanitarian Support
From November alone, over 1500 citizens of Central African Republic from a town called Bambouti, which borders South Sudan have been forced to flee from their homes as the fight between Seleka rebels and unknown armed group intensifies.
Refugees from Bambouti in Central Africa Republic fleeing from the attack by Seleka rebels continue to flock Riiyubu Payam in Tomura County of Western Equatoria State. The refugees are currently living in a state of desperation and hopelessness as the majority of them left home with nothing. Relying only on the support by the host community members, these refugees are currently in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
From November alone, over 1500 citizens of Central African Republic from a town called Bambouti, which borders South Sudan have been forced to flee from their homes as the fight between Seleka rebels and unknown armed group intensifies. The conflict has adversely affected the residents, the majority of who have lost their properties and have to flee for their dear lives. According to some of the refugees who have camped at Nanvuru in Riiyubu Payam, suspected Seleka rebels have caused tension by killing the local residents and looting their properties.
Mr. Anidaue Joseph, a Chief from Bambouti in Central African Republic who is currently a refugee with his people in Western Equatoria State said that the attackers have led the locals to run away from their homes since the Government has failed for years to prevent the Seleka rebels from Controlling Bambouti and as such, the citizens have remained helpless and hopeless as the situation continues to deteriorate.
Chief Anidaue therefore called on the government of South Sudan through Western Equatoria State Government to enhance security in the area where the refugees are camped. He said that they are currently surviving from the support donated by Ave Maria Ngboko Catholic Parish for the last one month and as such are in great need of intervention from humanitarian partners. People are currently sleeping in the open space with no mosquito nets, and possibilities of malaria outbreak for instance are highly likely.
Major Ajiing Aquel Nuel a South Sudan People’s Defense Force officer in Riiyubu Payam, called for unity among the refugees in the area adding that the security organs are working hard to restore normalcy and protection to the refugees.
On November 27 to 28 a team comprised of Humanitarian staff, Media and a priest from the Head office of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio paid a solidarity visit to Riiyubu to access the situation of the refugees in order to inform the concerned authority and well-wishers who can respond including the Church based on what they can possibly manage.
By: Joseph Ernesto Chackaya
