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By Ginaba Lino
A worsening humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Nyatim, Nyirol County of Jonglei State, where tens of thousands of displaced people remain without access to essential aid, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
An estimated 30,000 people have fled recent violence in Lankien and Pieri, seeking refuge in Nyatim. Many are sheltering under trees near a swamp, with little or no access to food, clean water, healthcare, or protection.
MSF reports that at least 58 people have died over the past four weeks, amid allegations that authorities are blocking humanitarian access to the area. Most of the displaced are women, children, and elderly individuals, many too weak or ill to relocate.
“People are dying of suspected hunger, as their only food is boiled tree leaves,” said Gul Badshah, MSF Operations Manager. He added that about a dozen children have died from acute watery diarrhoea and suspected malaria.
The situation is further worsened by insecurity. MSF reports that at least 10 people have been abducted by armed groups in Nyatim, including a breastfeeding mother who was reportedly shot dead.
Survivors who managed to escape described extremely harsh conditions. Some walked nearly 50 kilometres over several days to reach Chuil, where humanitarian assistance is available.
“We adults try to be strong, but the children die in front of our eyes,” said Nyaluat, a displaced mother now in Chuil. “This was happening every day in Nyatim. If you survive, you survive. If you die, you die.”
Another displaced woman, Nyapini, said deaths are occurring from multiple causes. “Some die from sickness, some from hunger, and some are killed in the bush while collecting food or water,” she said.
Nyaruop, who fled Lankien with children, recounted being separated from her family during the violence. “We suffered a lot there. We were hungry, we were sick, and there was no help coming,” she said.
MSF has warned that many people remain trapped in Nyatim due to lack of strength, transport, and financial means.
The organization is calling on authorities to urgently allow humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life. It has also appealed to the international community, including United Nations agencies and diplomatic missions, to intervene.
Meanwhile, in Chuil, where at least 25,000 displaced people have gathered, MSF has scaled up its response by upgrading health services, providing malnutrition treatment, maternal care, and trauma support. It has also distributed relief supplies to over 1,500 families and expanded water and sanitation services.
Despite these efforts, aid agencies warn that without immediate access to Nyatim, the humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate further.