Over 7,000 IDPs in Ezo Cunty plead for urgent aid
By Emmanuel Mandella
Over 7,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, are sounding the alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions, as basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education remain critically insufficient.
The majority of these IDPs fled multiple waves of inter-tribal violence between Azande and Balanda in Tombura County, beginning in February 2021 and escalating again in January 2025, following deadly clashes between government forces and SPLM-IO affiliated groups.
Displaced and desperate, they settled in a settlement across Ezo Central Payam, Yangiri, Nandi, Bagidi, and Bariguna but their hope for assistance is fading fast.
“We are suffering due to the absence of humanitarian aid, each family, regardless of size, received only SSP 170,000, one tent, and one blanket. That is not enough for a family of 8, let alone 30. Our children are out of school. There are no teachers, no clinics, and no clean water,” lamented Patrick Kumbo Bangi, a church leader and IDP in Ezo.
Mr. Kumbo’s frustrations are echoed by many others in the camp, especially women and children who make up the bulk of the displaced.
Mrs. Helen Borowia, a mother who fled Tambura during the 2023 clashes, described their daily struggle.
“We are lacking food, water, hygiene, and sanitation. The few supplies we received were just not enough, but we thank the government for keeping us safe here. At least we are not hearing gunshots anymore,” she said.
Yet, with the rainy season fast approaching, concerns are growing that the already dire situation could deteriorate further. Pregnant women and children remain especially vulnerable, with little access to maternal care and no schools operating nearby.
“Pregnant women go unattended. Most children are out of school. The only hospital we can reach is the one in Ezo town, and it’s far,” added James Rezaga, another IDP.
Siani Martin, Coordinator for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Ezo, acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis.
“Shelter and food remain our most critical needs, followed by farming tools and seeds,” he stated. “Some aid was provided by the NRC and DRC, but it was not enough. And because many IDPs arrived late, some distributions were delayed.”
The plight of Ezo’s displaced population mirrors a national crisis. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 2.2 million South Sudanese are internally displaced due to ongoing conflicts, flooding, and economic instability. Many face similar challenges: overcrowded shelters, disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and lack of basic services.
Despite the efforts of humanitarian agencies, funding gaps and insecurity in some regions have hindered consistent aid delivery. The South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan 2025 currently faces a funding shortfall of over 60%, leaving critical needs unmet.
The government, in partnership with the UN and NGOs, has been working to provide limited food rations, cash transfers, and health support. However, logistical hurdles and the scale of displacement continue to overwhelm the response capacity.
“We call on international partners, national government, and humanitarian actors to urgently scale up assistance before the rains trap these communities in even worse conditions,” urged Siani Martin.
As the rainy season looms, the voices of Ezo’s displaced grow louder. Without urgent and sustained intervention, their suffering may deepen, and a humanitarian catastrophe could unfold quietly in South Sudan’s remote western corner.
