Riirangu Payam Security Situation in Yambio County
Calm has returned to the Riirangu area in Riirangu Payam, Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, after insecurity displaced hundreds of residents, according to local leaders. The area had seen fear and flight into nearby bushes and neighbouring villages, they said.
Dialogue and Reconciliation Credited for Improved Safety
Community representatives attribute the improved security to dialogue and reconciliation. They say these efforts reduced gun violence and eased tensions that had kept families away from home. The language used by leaders points to a community-led approach aimed at restoring daily life.
Local Leaders Urge Displaced Youth to Return Home
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Sidig Abel, described as a youth and community leader in Riirangu Payam, said the situation is now peaceful. He called on displaced youth to come back and participate in rebuilding community life.
“The situation is calm now. We are urging all youth who fled because of the conflict to return and help develop the area,” Sidig Abel said (Radio Tamazuj).
Humanitarian Needs: Clean Water, Health Services, Medicines
Despite the calmer environment, residents report serious humanitarian constraints. Local leaders cite shortages of clean water, limited health services and a lack of essential medicines as obstacles that continue to shape everyday security and wellbeing.
“We have no clean water and no medication. Most property was looted or destroyed, and we depend on Nzara and Yambio for services. We urgently need support from partners,” Sidig Abel said (Radio Tamazuj).
Chiefs and Community Leaders Mobilise for Returns
Pusila Elikana Yambio, identified as an executive chief under Yambio County, appealed to chiefs, youth leaders, women leaders and displaced families to return and end prolonged hardship linked to displacement. The message echoed a push for collective recovery.
David Wandu, the community youth chairperson of Riirangu Payam, said residents have been mobilised to prepare for returns. He reported that more than 900 people joined a clean-up effort aimed at making the area ready for families coming back (Radio Tamazuj).
Schools, Clinics and Water Seen as Key to Sustainable Returns
David Wandu said the most urgent priorities are clean water, a functioning health facility with medicines, and schools. He framed these services as essential for turning improved security into lasting stability for families and children.
Aniye, the chief of Riirangu Payam, also urged the government and humanitarian partners to prioritise basic services. The chief argued that health care, education and water access are critical to encouraging returns at scale (Radio Tamazuj).
Western Equatoria Government Message on Calm Across the State
Western Equatoria State Acting Minister of Information James Abdalla Arona said the security situation across the state, including Riirangu Payam, remains calm. He presented the moment as a practical chance for households to restart routines.
“The situation is normal. This is a golden opportunity for communities to return home, register their children for school and prepare their farms,” James Abdalla Arona said (Radio Tamazuj). He added that the Ministry of Health will work with partners to vaccinate children and their mothers.
Context: Violence Since 2021 and New Displacement in Early 2025
Leaders traced the roots of the Riirangu crisis to violence that erupted in 2021, linked to political rivalries and ethnic tensions. They said sporadic clashes continued in 2023 and 2024, including fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in parts of Nagero, Mundri and Yambio counties.
The same accounts state that renewed violence in early 2025 between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO triggered further displacement from Riirangu and surrounding areas. Against that backdrop, local officials argue that current calm must be matched with services to hold.