Violence and Insecurity in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan
“This conflict in Rirangu village, Western Equatoria State (Yambio Diocese), South Sudan is devastating. We have lost everything. We arrived in Riimenze with nothing,” recounts Fatuma, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Rirangu. The recent violence has forced over 80 people to seek refuge in the Catholic Parish of Riimenze, adding immense pressure on a community that is already struggling to secure enough food for themselves. Widespread violence is harming women and children Ongoing insecurity in South Sudan continues to put civilians—especially women and children—at extreme risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Since February 2025, local conflicts in Western Equatoria State have escalated, exacerbated by economic instability. Humanitarian workers are also facing unprecedented dangers, with at least 28 attacks recorded in 2024 and over 260 incidents restricting aid access. These disruptions leave countless communities without the assistance they desperately need, making churches and religious organizations like Solidarity with South Sudan the last lifeline for many displaced families. Looking ahead to 2025, the situation is expected to worsen. 2.1 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition in 2025, and 63,000 people are projected to face extreme food insecurity, where starvation is a daily reality. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers, further complicating relief efforts. Fears are growing that rising political and regional tensions could push the country into further conflict, potentially drawing South Sudan into Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Since April 2023, over 960,000 people fleeing violence in Sudan have arrived in South Sudan, increasing the likelihood of land and resource disputes. Solidarity with South Sudan: Supporting Displaced Families
In the midst of this crisis, Solidarity with South Sudan is working alongside the Catholic Parish of Riimenze to provide relief to displaced families. As of mid-February 2025, 82 people from 18 households—men, women, and children—have sought shelter on parish grounds in Riimenze, Yambio. In response, Solidarity with South Sudan has supplied bags of rice and sugar, a crucial lifeline for these families. Their efforts have been strengthened by the incredible generosity of the local community, who, despite their own struggles, are sharing food staples such as cassava, millet, and sweet potatoes. These acts of kindness, though coming from scarcity, reflect the resilience and compassion of the South Sudanese people. We can only pray and hope that one day, the people of South Sudan will enjoy the peace and security that is their God-given right. Meanwhile, a gesture of solidarity can bring hope in this time of crisis and provide vital assistance to displaced families.
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Date Published:19 March 2025 Author:Alice, Officer Article Tags: Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, Riimenze, Food insecurity, IDPs, Humanitarian aid |
