CENTRAL EQUATORIA – Rick Root Quayle is one of over 7000 refugees that made their way from Jonglei State to Central Equatoria during the violence that erupted earlier this year.
Despite challenging conditions posed by the unexpected arrivals, he knows he is one of the lucky ones.
“Few people in our area in Jonglei survived the clashes. Even I didn’t know if we would get out but, escorted by armed forces, we were able to leave the area on foot,” shares the father of five.
His children fled to Uganda and other areas in the country while he undertook the long journey to South Sudan’s capital in the hope of providing them with at least some financial support.
At his current destination, one of the displacement camps in Mangalla Payam, the situation is dire.
Overrun by fear, many of the refugees could not collect basic belongings or tools that would allow them to survive on anything other than humanitarian assistance.
Instead, they’re left scrambling to find creative solutions, including designing fishhooks to use in nearby water sources.
Access to healthcare is another problem.
“The only clinic we have is unable to provide care for the thousands of us who have arrived, so we are trying to build networks of medical support within the community,” shares Quayle who benefited from his relatives’ first aid skills on arrival.
At least safety is not a challenge right now.
During one of the many patrols conducted by peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, refugee turned Mangalla camp leader, Elijah Chol Fulham, explains:
“While there are many different tribes living together, there are no reports of clashes based on ethnic differences. All of us are aware that the people next to us are not the ones who displaced us.”
This spirit is present throughout the communities in the three zones providing shelter in Mangalla Payam. Over past years, they have even joined forces to build schools and community kitchens.
While the number of children looking for education has significantly increased, so have the volunteers committed to doing their best to give them the opportunity they deserve.
“We all know the meaning of loss, even more so these days when you can hardly find anyone who has not lost a close family member or all of them. It made us resilient but also grateful for the opportunity to use our pasts to shape a better future,” said Fulham who recently lost a close cousin.
For now, that better future depends on the resilience of the communities themselves who continue to strive against the odds to overcome differences and build peace.
By Jaella Brockmann
