More than 30,000 civilians have been displaced following recent clashes between the SPLA-IO and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Pajut Payam, northern Jonglei State.

Duk County Commissioner, Hon. Chatim, confirmed on Monday that the violence has forced thousands of residents—mostly women and children—to flee their homes. He said the fighting has caused widespread destruction, damaged property, and left the county administration overwhelmed. The commissioner appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance and called on the United Nations to intervene, stressing that local authorities cannot handle the crisis alone.

Hon. Chatim described the dire conditions facing displaced families, noting severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. He warned that women and children are at high risk and urged civilians to remain indoors while the security situation remains unstable.

The commissioner added that the displaced population has scattered across several nearby Payams, including Payuel and Poktop. He encouraged national and international humanitarian organisations to return and resume operations in the affected areas, assuring them that the county administration will provide full security guarantees to support aid delivery.

The clashes began in December last month, when tensions escalated between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Dr Riek Machar. The fighting quickly spread across parts of northern Jonglei, including Waat, Uror, and Yuai, resulting in deadly confrontations and a growing humanitarian emergency.

Local leaders continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and immediate humanitarian intervention to prevent further suffering among the civilian population.