Urgent Call for Peace and Protection in South Sudan's War-Torn Region

As the rural community of Ottalo in Pochalla North County continues to face unimaginable hardships, residents are pleading for an end to violence and disarmament of civilians. The recent kidnapping of a young woman while she was returning from abroad is a stark reminder of the ongoing security concerns that have plagued the region for decades. Farmers like Oman Obel, who lost his daughter to armed assailants, are frustrated by the lack of action from authorities and are urging the government to take concrete steps to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

• The community of Ottalo in Pochalla North County has been plagued by violence, poverty, and underdevelopment, with residents forced to walk for hours to access basic provisions.
• The region is inaccessible due to lack of roads, mobile networks, and essential services, with many lives lost to armed ambushes by armed youth.
• Residents are calling for enhanced protection, disarmament of civilians, and an end to child abductions and cattle raiding.
• The people of Ottalo are demanding roads, schools, hospitals, and peace, and are urging the government to take concrete steps to address the ongoing security concerns.
• The gathering, organized by Gola Boyoi Gola, Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor, and supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), aimed to reunite long-divided communities and improve relations with the Murle community.

Statistics:

• Ottalo is one of the most isolated areas in South Sudan, with no roads, mobile networks, or essential services.
• Residents are forced to walk for 5 hours to reach Pochalla market for basic provisions.
• Traders endure a 2-day bicycle ride to Ethiopia during the dry season.
• The road between Ottalo and the State capital, Pibor, is inaccessible, with many lives lost to armed ambushes by armed youth.

Sources:

• A 63-year-old farmer from Ottalo, Oman Obel, speaking during a gathering in the rugged terrain of the Anyuak Kingdom.
• Khalif Farah, Senior Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS Bor Field Office.
• Mission Okuny Okech, youth leader of Ottalo.
• Acting King Gilo Omot.
• United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).