One dead as hunger, water shortage hit CAR refugees in Western Equtaoria

YAMBIO – At least one person has died as Central African Republic (CAR) refugees who fled conflict to the Yubu area of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State face severe hunger and a lack of clean drinking water, local sources have confirmed.

Sources told Sudans Post that refugees—mostly women and children—are crying for urgent help after food supplies ran out and water sources dried up.

Many families are surviving on one meal a day, while others have no food at all.

Bernado, a community chief from CAR, said the situation is worsening daily, with children and elderly people falling sick due to hunger and unsafe drinking water.

He confirmed that the death reported this week is believed to be linked to malnutrition and poor living conditions.

According to Bernado, refugees who fled conflict in Bambuti, CAR, have now spent three weeks in Yubu without any assistance.

“Our people are sleeping on the ground with no mats, no food, no shelter, and no mosquito nets,” he said.

“Some are staying in army barracks, others in schools, churches, and many are sleeping under trees. Women, children, and elderly people are in very difficult conditions.”

Martin Yakangba, a refugee who spoke to Sudan’s Post, said they fled violence in CAR and left everything behind, including food and household items.

“Many of our people died during the conflict in CAR, and we could not even bury their bodies,” he said. “We are asking the government and humanitarian partners in South Sudan to help us. We do not want to die from hunger, and we do not want to steal.”

A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, described the situation as “serious and heartbreaking.” He said the refugees arrived in December but have not been properly settled.

“They have no shelter, no food, and no water. People are sleeping under trees. Some are already sick, and a small child died last week due to hunger,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thomas Aringa, the Deputy Coordinator of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Western Equatoria State, said his office received reports from Ezo County authorities about the presence of refugees in Yubu.

“We have directed the county RRC to register the refugees so we can know their exact number,” Aringa said. “After the assessment, we will engage humanitarian partners to plan support.”

He added that the refugees are lacking everything, including food, non-food items, medical care, and shelter.

The refugees are now appealing to the government, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to urgently provide food, clean water, shelter, and medical assistance to prevent further loss of life.