The UNMISS in Western Equatoria, took part in a long duration patrol (LDP) to Mundri west to conduct an assessment of the current the living standards of the community and government institutions.

The patrol’s team was comprised of mission officers representing Human Rights, Civil Affairs, RRP, and IGAD cease fire monitors. The team conducted extensive interviews with community leaders, civil society representatives, government officials, as well as community members. Discussed, was how the conflict affected the community and how they are now coping up with life in quieter times.

While in Mundri, the acting top authority, Manaseh Doboyi, described the security situation as relatively calm, however, adding, it remains unpredictable as armed groups continue to loot and murder which causes further displacement of villagers into nearby bush areas.

Mr. Doboyi went on to comment that the economic situation has reached dire proportion since the clashes have subsided due to the fact that all roads connecting to Mundri are now closed and the few basic commodities in town are not enough. Further exacerbating the situation, drought has also affected the community, resulting in poor harvests.

Margret Fozia, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in the newly declared Amadi state, decried the suffering of women, elderly, and children during the latest conflict between.  Many women have been raped and/or murdered, and school children have been abducted by armed men and taken to the bush.

Ms. Fazia urged all sides related in the conflict to end war in South Sudan once and for all, and in Mundri in particular in order to halt the suffering of her people.

She went on to say, “As a female speaker, I have seen a lot of suffering of women, elderly people, and children. The most painful and worst is abduction of children from schools, and the raping of women; the fighting must cease, the people of this great country must be given time to heal and come together.”