(GONDOKORO) – In Gondokoro, a rural area located around 25 kilometres east of Juba, growing pressure on land caused by an increasing population and the arrival of livestock herders is driving tensions between residents, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and pastoralist communities.
Locals say the sudden strain on limited resources is threatening both livelihoods and safety. Among them is Sarah Gelerino, who fled her home in 2022. She now lives across the Nile and still feels unsafe to return.
“Farms and crops have been destroyed, and some of our animals stolen,” she said.
Another resident, Lina Keji, noted that the area is also suffering from poor access to healthcare.
“Medicines have run out at local health centres. Taking a sick person to Juba is expensive, and since most people cannot afford transport, they are forced to walk long distances.”
With $1 currently equivalent to 4,600 South Sudanese Pounds, even modest transport costs can exceed 9,200 SSP (around $2), a major burden in an already struggling rural economy.
Efforts by authorities to reduce the number of armed herders in the area have brought some relative calm compared to previous years, but serious concerns remain. One of the major issues is the widespread presence of small arms among civilians.
“In the past, we ran from lions. Now we flee from armed people,” said Achirin Mayar, a local cattle owner. He called for full disarmament of the civilian population to help restore safety.
Community leaders agree that security alone is not enough. John Gabriel Ladu, a local director, urged that dialogue must accompany disarmament.
“Local authorities must talk to the communities and help them resolve their disputes. Without this, there will be no peace.”
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have responded by placing checkpoints in key areas to protect civilians. Captain Zakariya of the SSPDF explained that the security presence is aimed at encouraging displaced families to return and resume farming.
“We want chiefs and community leaders to support the return of people to their homes. We are doing what we can to ensure it is safe,” he said.
UNMISS, which recently visited Gondokoro, has promised continued support. Lauro Ohiyu, a UNMISS representative, expressed hope based on the local leadership’s willingness to help residents return.
“We were encouraged by the commitment of local authorities. The UN family remains ready to support the government and partners to make Gondokoro a safe place again.”
