TAMBURA - As the hum of helicopter blades breaks the stillness of the morning, residents in the Tambura displacement camp stir to life under their makeshift tarpaulin and thatched shelters.
Children pause mid-play, and elders step out into the open to look skyward.
The arrival of the United Nations helicopter signals the first time the peacekeeping mission has been able to visit the area since closing its temporary base in January 2026. The priority is to assess the security situation in the camp and broader environment as well as to hear and respond to the concerns of residents.
Their message was clear. Although relative calm has returned since violence erupted in 2021, the sense of trauma and psychological wounds remain raw, and more support is needed to assist their recovery.
“We need the government and other organizations to provide psychosocial support so we can free our minds from the terrible things we witnessed,” explained resident Sadia Kazima, seizing a rare opportunity to share her pain.
“We have some peace now, even though we still live in fear. I carry painful memories of losing my family, and life here is very difficult. This is the right time for partners to step in and help.”
The UNMISS team met with local authorities, displaced community members, returnees, and faith leaders, including Reverend Sadia Anzodo of the Inter-Faith Based Council.
“Inter-faith groups have played a key role in reducing tensions in Tambura, but without support, it becomes difficult to bring the two communities together for dialogue. We need locally driven solutions,” she stated.
Pointing to the immense impact of conflict on children, she added that many young people are denied the opportunity to learn or have a sense of purpose in life due to school closures.
“We need peace, and we need elections so we can choose leaders who will bring stability.”
Father Santino Wise, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, echoed the call for unity among leaders.
“There is no cooperation among stakeholders to end the conflict. If one group is sidelined, achieving peace becomes very difficult.”
UNMISS Head of the Field Office in Western Equatoria State, Guy Griffin, acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the mission’s continued commitment despite the physical withdrawal from the area.
“One of the main reasons for our visit is to reconnect and reassure you that we will do our utmost to prioritize regular visits going forward,” he said, while outlining the severe impact of the UN-wide funding crisis on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
As the helicopter later lifted off amidst swirling dust, residents were left with cautious hope that, despite the challenges, progress towards stability, recovery, and peace is possible.
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By Phillip Mbugo
