Boma state authorities call for security on roads

April 5, 2016 (BOR) – Authorities in South Sudan’s Boma state have called for security reinforcements on roads that have hindered the delivery of humanitarian services.

He however said insecurity has hindered effort to supply food aid through roads that connect Boma to Jonglei state.

Boma state was in turmoil early this year when elements from the former cobra faction prevented newly appointed governor, Baba Medan Konyi from entering the capital, Pibor. This sparked fighting between the cobra faction and the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) unit inside Pibor town, leading to destructions of markets and civilian houses.

According to James, people have just returned home, but have little access to basic needs like food aid. The main market has resumed operation, but food stores remain empty owing to the cut supply from Juba due to insecurity.

“The people have returned homes, and the market is now functioning, but what is lacking are the goods available for sale. Civilians are now back and are living freely. There is no way of transporting goods there because of insecurity. We have issues of insecurity on the road through which our goods come to Pibor,” said the minister.

“We will engage government to help us on this so that food goes safely to the area. We have a lot of civilians in Juba who wants to go to Pibor, but there is insecurity on the road. We are not able to transport them back home,” he added.

Also in short supply currently among people are drugs, stressed James.

Meanwhile, some schools have reportedly reopened in Pibor with some candidates waiting to sit for national exams that will enable them qualify for university education.

(ST)