Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) - More than 2 000 people have died and 250 000 are displaced due to the conflict between the ethnic communities of the Lou Nuer and Murle in Likuangole and in other regions of Jonglei, in Southern Sudan. They are predominantly women and children. In addition, over 170 thousand people have seen their homes burn. For decades, the clashes between two ethnic groups for cattle ownership have caused an escalation of violence and now constitute a major challenge to the stability of this new country. Since last December abuse among ethnic groups have been radicalized by stealing livestock and burning of fields and houses, leaving the population totally unprotected. There is lack of water and food, there are 40 degrees in the shade and the houses are completely burnt, wherever you see children crying alone on the streets, according to a statement by the Director of the International Emergency Plan implemented on the ground. Every day we see children orphaned, abandoned or separated from their families as well as mothers in serious difficulty. When there is a mass movement of people, unfortunately often children lose touch with their parents. In Likuangole, one of the most affected villages, where there is an average temperature of 40 º, there is no drinking water and electricity is limited to three hours a day. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2012)
