Central African Republic clashes drive 2,700 refugees into Western Equatoria

YAMBIO – At least 2,700 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) have crossed into South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State after days of violent fighting between rebel groups and government forces, forcing families to flee under gunfire and leaving them in dire humanitarian conditions along the border.

The displaced—mostly women, children, and elderly people—have arrived in Yubu and surrounding villages carrying little more than the clothes they were wearing. Community leaders warn the number could rise further as fighting continues in Bambúti and nearby areas inside CAR.

Survivors say armed rebels clashed with CAR government forces late Sunday, triggering an overnight assault during which homes were burned, property looted, and civilians forced to flee in panic.

“The fighting started at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Rebels burned our homes, and we escaped with nothing—no food, no shelter, not even drinking water,” said Misan Oliv Obama, a community leader from Bambúti who fled with his family.

Refugees stranded without basic services

New arrivals are sheltering in makeshift camps around Yubu, where broken boreholes, poor sanitation, and food shortages are worsening conditions by the hour.

“Children are hungry and falling sick. The boreholes are broken, there is no clean water, and we are suffering,” said Emmanuel Tandu, a Yubu resident assisting displaced families.

Local leaders fear the approaching rainy season could heighten the risk of waterborne diseases and trigger further displacement if urgent support is not provided.

County authorities and civil society groups have appealed to the national government, international agencies, and humanitarian organisations for immediate intervention.

A senior officer from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Tambura County—who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly—confirmed that assessments are underway but resources remain limited.

“We are aware of the situation and waiting for instructions from Juba. Humanitarian partners need to intervene urgently, or we may face a crisis beyond local capacity,” the RRC official said.

Traditional leaders have echoed the call for emergency assistance, urging aid agencies to deploy food, shelter, medical supplies, and protection services.

“We welcome our brothers and sisters seeking safety, but we cannot manage this alone. We need food, shelter, medicine, and protection immediately,” said Chief Joseph Arikpo, a traditional leader in Yubu.