20 January 2014 - Churches in the Western Equatoria capital Yambio have donated vitally needed items to over 60 internal displaced persons (IDPs) who were recently caught in conflict in Mundri Country.

Secondhand clothes, bed covers and food were distributed to the IDPs, who survived in the bush for three days after conflict erupted between Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldiers there on 4 January.

“We as a church should … help our people spiritually and physically by offering what we have to those in need,” said Reverend Samuel Timoteo of the Christians in Communion of Evangelical Churches (CEEC).

He called on South Sudanese leaders to stop fighting and enter into dialogue. People were tired of war, which had been present in the country on and off since the 1950s.

Churches and community based organizations, including the Young Women’s Christian Association, submitted their contributions to the state Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, which has been hosting the IDPS at its Rehabilitation Centre.

Peace has prevailed in Western Equatoria following conflict that broke out in Juba on 15December 2013 between pro- and anti-government forces and spread to several other states.