Nearly 8,000 displaced in Pajut as SSPDF, SPLA-IO clashes take toll on civilians

JUBA — Nearly 8,000 people have been displaced into Twic East County following renewed fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Pajut payam of Duk County and parts of neighbouring Uror County, according to local authorities.

A recent assessment by county officials indicates that at least 7,938 people — equivalent to 1,323 households — have fled the violence since clashes erupted in January. Of these, 820 households arrived from Duk County while 503 fled from Uror County. The displaced population includes more than 3,000 children under the age of 18 and over 1,000 elderly people aged 65 and above.

The fighting in Pajut has reportedly resulted in the destruction of homes, loss of property, and civilian casualties, forcing families to flee with little or no belongings in search of safety in Twic East.

Elijah Biar, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator in Twic East County, said most displaced families escaped amid active hostilities and are now living in extremely precarious conditions.

“The majority of these families fled suddenly due to active fighting. They are now living under trees and in makeshift shelters without adequate food, health services, or protection,” Biar said.

He warned that humanitarian conditions among the displaced are rapidly deteriorating. Food insecurity is widespread, with most families relying on already overstretched host communities. Shelter conditions remain dire, exposing vulnerable groups to harsh weather.

“Shelter conditions are extremely poor, exposing families — especially women, children, and the elderly — to harsh weather,” he said. “Health risks are also mounting. Overcrowding, lack of latrines, and widespread open defecation have increased the likelihood of disease outbreaks, including acute watery diarrhoea and cholera.”

Biar added that protection concerns are growing, particularly for women and children who face heightened risks in displacement settings. He called on humanitarian partners to urgently intervene with food assistance or cash support, emergency shelter materials, medical supplies, hygiene services, and protection programs.

“The situation is critical and requires immediate humanitarian response,” he said.

Twic East County Commissioner John Juach Arok echoed the appeal, warning that local health facilities are unable to cope with the growing humanitarian burden.

“These people are in severe need of support, and we are calling on the state government, national authorities, and humanitarian organisations to urgently assist them,” Juach said. “Some women delivered along the way, yet our hospital has no medicine to treat them.”

The displacement adds to rising humanitarian pressures in Jonglei State, where renewed clashes between government and opposition forces continue to take a heavy toll on civilians.