Over 500 residents fleeing violence stranded in Mundri East

MUNDRI – More than 500 households have been displaced in Mundri East County in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State following persistent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and opposition forces, local authorities confirmed.

The fighting, which started last month, particularly between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Kediba Payam, forced hundreds of civilians—mostly women and children—to flee their homes.

Mundri East County Commissioner Henry Ngalamu said calm has returned to the area, and many displaced families are gradually returning to their villages.

“The situation is normalising, and people are going back to Kediba, Wandi, and Magiri. However, they lost their food and property. We appeal to humanitarian agencies for support with food, medicine, and other necessities,” Ngalamu said.

“Today I am going to get a registered number on those centres and also some people from the area who reached Mundri West, where they are being registered. I don’t have the number yet, but RRC will provide the exact number,” he added.

The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Mundri East and West is leading the registration and coordination of humanitarian assistance.

RRC coordinators, James Smith and James Brown, confirmed that registration is ongoing and noted that the number of displaced may rise as verification continues.

“The displaced population is more than 500. People are scattered and suffering; they urgently need food and non-food items, and we appeal for support,” the coordinators said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas Aringa, Deputy Chairperson of the RRC in Western Equatoria State, confirmed the displacement but said the exact number of affected people remains uncertain.

“People are scattered in the bush and cannot be registered at this time. Once registration begins, we will provide a full report. A committee will also be formed with partners and the state government to assess basic needs,” Aringa explained.

The recent clashes have worsened humanitarian conditions, leaving families in urgent need of food, shelter, and health services.

Efforts by Sudans Post to reach affected communities were unsuccessful, but updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Yesterday, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai confirmed that they have recaptured Kadi’ba military base in Mundri after intense combat with forces loyal to detained First Vice President Riek Machar and Gen. Thomas Cirillo. In September, SPLA-IO and NAS attacked and took control of the aforementioned army base.