Fighting in Northern Jonglei displaces over 30,000 families in Duk County

BOR – Thousands of families in Duk County of South Sudan’s Jonglei State are grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis following recent clashes between forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Pajut and the surrounding areas of northern Jonglei.

The fighting has triggered mass displacement, forcing civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge in remote villages, swamps, and improvised shelters across Duk County. Many displaced families are now living in precarious conditions with little access to basic necessities.

Duk County Commissioner John Chatim warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, citing severe shortages of food, clean drinking water, shelter, and essential medical services. He said vulnerable groups—particularly children, women, and the elderly—are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with rising cases of malaria and other preventable diseases reported among displaced communities.

“More than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Pajut due to the fighting,” Chatim said. “Displaced civilians are currently sheltering in Duk Padiet, Poktap, and Duk Payuel, but the major challenge remains the lack of food and essential non-food items, including mosquito nets, medicines, shelter materials, and blankets.”

The commissioner appealed to the national government and humanitarian partners to guarantee safe access for aid delivery and to prioritize civilian protection in the conflict-affected areas.

Jonglei State has experienced repeated cycles of violence in recent months, fueled by political tensions, armed confrontations, and intercommunal conflict. Sporadic clashes between government forces and opposition groups have repeatedly uprooted communities, disrupted livelihoods, and restricted humanitarian access—particularly in remote areas such as Duk County.

As displacement continues and humanitarian needs grow, local authorities warn that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further suffering among already vulnerable populations.