![Displace Citizens of Nagero County of WES [Credit photo]](https://rurugene.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Displace-Citizens-of-Nagero-County-of-WES-Credit-photo.jpg)
By Waure Eddy
A fresh wave of violence erupted on Monday October 6th morning in Nagero County, Western Equatoria State, as armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO fighters intensified, leaving Nagero town deserted and hundreds of residents displaced.
Youth Representative confirmed to Media that the renewed attack starts on Monday Morning while people are still in the bush for over a week now, people have not access to food, shelter, clean water, or medical care.
Youth Representative Elias Undo Stanslao described the situation as dire, particularly for women, children, and the elderly.
“We are now 9-10 days in the bush. No one among all citizens of Nagero has access to their homes,” Elias said. “Most of us are sharing one plate of food and one bed sheet. Life has become hard. We need government intervention.”
Elias emphasized that the community remains unaware of the root cause of the conflict and is calling for unity, peace, and improved security. He reported continuous gunfire around Nagero town, where only livestock now roam freely animals that residents can no longer reach.
“If this situation continues, many of us will start dying from lack of food, medication, and shelter,” he warned.
Executive Director of Nagero County, Mr. Bernard Gabriel Amin, confirmed the attack and attributed it to SPLA-IO forces advancing from Miaba. He noted that the SPLA-IO and SSPDF are not stationed in the same location, complicating efforts to contain the violence.
“The SPLA-IO forces are moving across Nagero. If SSPDF goes to one area, they SPLA-IO relocate. Today, SPLA-IO shot two cows. The situation is terrible,” Amin said.
He added that local farms have been abandoned, causing groundnuts and maize to regrow untended. Attempts to retrieve food from these farms are met with deadly risk.
“Anyone trying to access food for their children could be killed. We are calling for urgent intervention from the state and national government,” Amin pleaded.
During Sunday mass at the Lutheran Church, acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Justin Joseph Marona, addressed the crisis, assuring citizens that authorities are working to restore control in Ketiba and Nagero.
“I encourage those in the bush to stop attacking and killing. Dialogue is the best solution,” Marona said. “Come home, join your families, and help build a better future.”
As the conflict continues, the people of Western Equatoria State are united in their call for peace, protection, and a swift resolution to the violence that has upended their lives.
