11 February 2014 - Local residents beginning to return to the Unity State capital Bentiu after violence in the town received rations of food today to last 15 days for each family.

Working with UNMISS and other humanitarian partners, teams from the World Food Programme (WFP) and International Organization for Migration led the registration and distribution exercise, which WFP spokesperson George Fominyen said was targeting 20,000 people in two days.

The distribution was conducted simultaneously at Independence Stadium, Bentiu A Primary School and the UNMISS protection of civilians area, where civilians received sorghum, pulses, oil and salt.

“These people were displaced and have started returning now,” said WFP Spokesman George Fominyen. “They don’t have food (or) purchasing power … and not many goods are available in the market. We will soon assess the food needs and possibly organize another round of food distribution.”

Unity State Governor Joseph Manytuil Wejang, who inspected distribution sites, said the government also had plans to deliver assistance.

“We have the issue of logistics and (lack of) markets where we can buy items, but very soon the assistance from the government side will be delivered,” he said.

Civilians who gathered at distribution sites from nearby villages said it was an opportunity to see in town’s condition as well as receiver humanitarian support.

“I used to live in Bentiu before the crisis,” said George Mayong Sai, who used to sell charcoal and building materials. “Until recently I was in Phiu village but I came here because we didn’t have food in the village. I will not leave again.”

Mr. Sai said his tukul (hut) was looted, but it was not burnt down and he would continue to live there after the food distribution with his two wives and eight children.

Another beneficiary, Maimuna Aihad, said it was good to receive food, but requested continuous assistance. She said when the fighting started; she and her four children had run away to another village, where they sometimes had no food.

“In the bush it was too difficult (and) I don’t want to go back,” said Ms. Aihad. “It’s better to stay in Bentiu. (Even) if something happens … I’m not going back to the bush.”