(Juba) – The Governor of Jonglei State, Riak Gai Kok, has appealed to humanitarian agencies to continue their support as communities in Fangak and Pigi counties suffer from ongoing floods, hunger and displacement. The governor made the call during a meeting with officials from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), a key humanitarian partner in the region.
Governor Kok expressed gratitude to organisations that have continued to provide relief and encouraged them to sustain food distributions, especially in areas where the situation remains critical. He pointed out that Fangak and Pigi counties are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of natural disasters and armed conflict, which have disrupted local livelihoods and market systems.
In a statement released after the meeting, the governor praised NPA’s work and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with humanitarian partners. He stressed the importance of restoring market activity and livelihoods, alongside food aid, to help communities rebuild after repeated setbacks.
The humanitarian needs in the area have worsened since April 2025, when at least 40,000 people were displaced from Pigi County following an incursion by forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). Many of those displaced have sought safety in Panyikang County, Upper Nile State.
Pigi County Commissioner Suliman Deng Thon reported that the displaced are in a desperate situation, living without shelter or food. He stated that many families are now staying under trees in locations such as Kandaki, Panam, and Obali in Panyikang after fleeing from the areas of Canan, Korfulus, and Wunlit in Pigi.
“There are no humanitarian organisations on the ground. People are suffering under trees without any basic support. We call for urgent action from both national and international NGOs to provide shelter and food,” Thon said.
He added that while Pigi County is currently calm, fear still grips the population due to the April clashes, preventing many from returning home. Thon explained that food insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues, as farmlands have been abandoned and local markets are non functional.
He also reported that 102 civilians who had earlier fled from SPLA-IO-controlled areas in Nasir County (Upper Nile State) and Ayod County (Jonglei) were relocated to Malakal, where they are now also in need of assistance.
The cost of delivering humanitarian support remains high. A basic relief package—including tarpaulin, food items such as maize flour, beans, and oil, and basic health kits—can cost between SSP 700,000 and SSP 1.4 million per family, equivalent to $100–$200 USD at the current parallel market exchange rate of SSP 7,000 to $1. Given the scale of displacement, significant funding and logistical coordination will be required.
