By Matik Kueth
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised an alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in Nyatim, Nyirol County, Jonglei State, where an estimated 30,000 people are trapped under trees and near swamps after fleeing recent violence in Lankien and Pieri.
In a statement seen by King Media on Monday, MSF described a “humanitarian disaster unfolding,” with civilians, mostly women, children, the elderly, and the sick, suffering from hunger, disease, and attacks by armed gangs.
Authorities, the charity warned, are blocking access for aid organizations, leaving people without essential food, water, medicine, or safe passage to more secure areas.
“One of our colleagues in Nyatim reported that people are dying of hunger, with their only food being boiled tree leaves,” said Gul Badshah, MSF operations manager.
He added, “Around a dozen children have already died from acute watery diarrhoea and suspected malaria, and at least 10 people were abducted by armed gangs, including a breastfeeding mother who was shot dead.”
The displaced families describe harrowing conditions on the ground.
“We adults try to be strong, but the children die in front of our eyes,” said Nyaluat, who managed to reach Chuil with her children.
“Sometimes children watch their mothers or fathers die. If you survive, you survive. If you die, you die. That is how we live now,” she stated.
Badshah noted that many others recounted being forced to walk for days across 50 kilometers of dangerous terrain, exposed to further violence, just to reach relative safety in Chuil.
“People in Nyatim are being trapped, even if they want to leave, most do not have the strength, means, or money to do so. Humanitarian access must be urgently secured to prevent further deaths,” he explained
MSF called on the international community, United Nations agencies, embassies, and other organizations to intervene immediately and allow aid into Nyatim.
Meanwhile, in Chuil, where at least 25,000 displaced people have sought refuge, MSF has upgraded the general healthcare center to provide emergency care, malnutrition treatment, maternal health services, and trauma stabilization.
Relief items have been distributed to over 1,500 families, with more aid planned.
MSF is also constructing latrines and a water purification plant to improve sanitation and access to safe water.