Nearly 5,000 people displaced by intercommunal conflicts in the defunct Awul and Ruelbet counties of Warrap State are in dire need of assistance, a local official said.

Anthony Khor Mayom, the Executive Director of the defunct Awul County, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday the displaced households are currently staying in the area of Achol Awakou and are surviving on tree leaves.

He further said at least 25 people have died and six others injured in the communal violence, which started last May between the Atok and Awan communities of Tonj North County.

“The situation of the displaced people is bad. 4, 744 people have gone to the former Warrap County and are in Achol Awakou. Some are trying to return, but are experiencing severe hunger. They are eating tree leaves and the situation is bad,” Mayom explained.

He urged humanitarian organizations to assist the internally displaced persons with food and shelter while appealing to the government to deploy a strong force to prevent further escalation of violence between the rival communities. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, several displaced families in Achol Awakou complained about the lack of food and shelter.

Angelo Yak, a displaced person, said the situation is bad since the entire population is currently lacking food and shelter. “Our situation is bad because houses were burnt down and grains looted. People in the bush in Noi area are suffering,” he said.

Kuc Khor, another displaced, said the population lost everything after the attackers burnt down their houses and looted properties.

He appealed to people of goodwill to assist them.