Life begins to return to Nasir a year after deadly clashes caused mass loss of life and displacement

UPPER NILE - A year ago, Nasir was the scene of horrific violence when clashes erupted between armed forces and youth militia, causing significant loss of life and widespread displacement of local communities.

The resilient former residents are now gradually returning to rebuild their lives, eager to restore their sense of community wellbeing and work together for a peaceful future.

“Some people were scared to return when conflict arose in this area. I was one of them,” explains Samuel Gai, Nasir Community Leader.

“I recently arrived back, feeling afraid, but as an elderly person, I decided to come anyway. I believe those who stayed behind will eventually follow me.”

However, the volatile security situation is creating obstacles to the safe and timely delivery of much-needed aid, including the movement of vital supplies and the return of health workers.

As a result, returning civilians are confronting a severe humanitarian crisis with a lack of food, shelter, health care and other services.

But some returnees, like 26-year-old Sarah Galtlak, are seizing the opportunity to make their own fresh start.

“I now own a restaurant that serves food and tea and also manage several other small businesses,” she says. “I've been able to make a profit because Nasir is calm, and security has improved. This stable environment has encouraged us to pursue new opportunities.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan also lost a colleague during the clashes in Nasir, a member of a helicopter crew who was gunned down during an evacuation effort.

This tragic loss was particularly poignant for peacekeepers successfully returning to the area for the first time since the incident. Their visit also provided reassurance and hope for the local community.

“It is important that we make efforts to engage with county authorities as well as bring the community leaders and members together, particularly youth,” says Marwa Yousif, UNMISS Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer.

“We see opportunities for many activities to be implemented, including strengthening the local capacity, the protection networks and mechanisms, and also social cohesion and coexistence for the community.”

The hope is that, with the necessary political will and community collaboration, the healing process in this conflict-stricken environment can progress and sustainable peace finally be secured.

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By Samson Liberty