(Tambura) – Thousands of families in South Sudan’s Tambura County remain displaced years after deadly intercommunal violence erupted in Western Equatoria in 2021. Many are living in makeshift camps, where they continue to struggle with insecurity, hunger, and the trauma of being separated from their loved ones.
Inside the camps, mothers like Elizabeth Kizito are facing each day with uncertainty. Originally from Tambura, Elizabeth is now living in an internally displaced persons (IDP) site, while her children are scattered across different locations in Ezo and Yambio counties. She says she cannot bring them to the camp out of fear for their safety.
“I don’t sleep at night because I don’t know the whereabouts of my children,” said Elizabeth. “I am even afraid to bring my children here because they might be killed. We are all crying that God should bring us peace so we can live happily once again.”
Nearby, 26 year old Liliana Galo shared her experience of escaping the violence. She says her husband disappeared during the chaos, and now she is left alone with six children. She fears going to check on the farms for food, describing it as too dangerous.
“All our food in the farm was burnt,” said Liliana. “If you are found, as a woman, you will be killed. If you are found pregnant, they will kill you and remove the child. We are afraid to go out and look for food.”
Another displaced woman, Jacklin Amos, blames tribal divisions for the suffering that families like hers are facing.
“This issue of tribalism has brought us suffering,” she said. “When there is a tribal conflict, brothers are killed, sisters are killed. I am crying to them, please stop this conflict. People should be united.”
Tambura is one of five locations in the region currently sheltering displaced people. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), alongside local authorities, continues to patrol the areas to provide a sense of safety. UNMISS personnel meet regularly with camp residents to hear their concerns and encourage community-led security measures.
Annmary Kathomi Miriti, a military observer with UNMISS, explained the mission’s approach.
“We discussed the security measures they need to take among themselves first, as individuals and as a camp at large,” she said. “UNMISS has a force protection unit based in Tambura who can always come and respond to their issues. Whenever they call, the forces are ready to respond.”
Miriti added that the mission is also working to raise awareness and prevent sexual violence, which has been used repeatedly as a weapon of war. Survivors have included women, men, children, and the elderly.
Displacement has left thousands dependent on aid and uncertain about when they will be able to return to their homes. The conflict, which began as a dispute between rival ethnic groups, escalated into widespread violence that saw entire villages burned, farms destroyed, and families torn apart.
Many families have lost everything, and without secure access to farmland or jobs, they remain reliant on humanitarian assistance for survival. The economic impact has been severe. Prices of basic goods in the area have risen, with a 50 kg sack of maize now costing around 70,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to roughly $15 at the official exchange rate.
UNMISS continues to support peacebuilding efforts across the region. But as displacement is dragging on into a fourth year, frustration is growing among those still living in the camps. Many are calling for the government to speed up efforts to address the root causes of conflict and promote lasting reconciliation between communities.
Until then, families like Elizabeth’s and Liliana’s will continue to live in limbo, waiting for peace to return and for the chance to rebuild their lives.
