Hundreds displaced after land dispute attack in Eastern Equatoria

The Minister of Information in Eastern Equatoria State says hundreds of people remain displaced in Arilo Payam following an attack linked to a land dispute between neighbouring communities.

State Information Minister Elia Alhaj John says the attack was carried out by suspected members of the neighbouring Targed Nyerio area.

He says houses were burned during the attack, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages for safety.

According to the minister, some families lost their homes and belongings and are now sheltering under trees, while others fear returning home due to possible further attacks.

“The people whose houses were burned with all their belongings are now just left under the trees. They are suffering. They have lost all that what they have for surviving with their children,” he said.

Alhaj John says the state government is working with local authorities to restore calm and promote dialogue between the affected communities.

He says the number of displaced people is estimated to be in the hundreds, but communication with the area remains difficult due to a lack of network coverage.

The government is awaiting a detailed report from the local administration before referring the matter to relevant institutions for further action.

The minister has also appealed to communities to support the displaced families with any assistance they can provide.

He says the situation has been made more difficult by the withdrawal of humanitarian donors and the closure of several aid projects in the country.

The minister urged the affected communities to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“As a government, we are condemning any act of violence and we are appealing to the communities which are affected to remain calm, not to seek any revenge,” he added.