Why are the Residents of Greater Bor Fleeing to Guolyar Refugee Camp?
5 min readWhat is causing the second influx of Greater Bor residents to Guolyar Refugee Camp?
By Agreb Leek Chol, Bor, Jonglei State
November 29, 2015 (SSB) — First, I would like to clarify that the main reason why many residents are leaving Bor Town is not due to “INSECURITY” as many people seems to argue on the media. The truth is, people are hungry and they are looking for any place to get any basic services.
Yes, we cannot dismiss the significant of Jalle & Maar attack in which innocent civilians were killed, but I have to be on record that THERE’S NO IMMINENT THREAT IN BOR! Therefore, those IDPS from Jalle and Maar would have peacefully settled in Bor Town. So, those on the ground like myself can vouch that there’s not enough food due to Dec 15, 2013 crisis.
Types of groups leaving Bor:
Group 1. Maar’s residents who left their village because of fear, but found NO FOOD (rations) or registration in Bor.
Group 2. Jalle’s residents who left their village because of fear, but found NO FOOD (rations) or registration in Bor.
Group 3. Returnees from Uganda and Kenya:
According to one of the beneficiary of LWP here in Bor, says “some people are given assistance up to 1- 6 months by the UN; however, when this time expired you’re expected to provide for yourself. How can someone instantly provide for themselves knowing that they have not had the chance to plant any crop? We have returned in numbers after crisis, but our villages aren’t safe for agricultural activities”.
Group 4. ‘Mobile IDPS’ between Bor and Guolyar:
These individuals often travels at the day of food distribution to Guolyar and returns back to Bor due to poor living conditions in the camps. However, given the propaganda being wage by the World Food Program (WFP) and other various opportunists in the mix, Bor is being categorize “unsafe”; thus crossing the Nile to Guolyar is the last resort of survival. Guolyar is the only place were ration registration is taking place, so those without other means to survive prepare Guolyar or Minkaman IDPS camps. And off course boats drivers, looters, and other political opportunists have set their eyes on the price.
Therefore, this situation is being exploited to create a state of ANARCHY in Bor Town and other various Payams/Bomas simply to vacate Bor. Slowly, the Jieng of Upper Nile especially GBC are settling in Bar el Ghazal because of this strategy of using food to MIGRATE folks from their ancestral land to another area. Had they given our IDPS a chance to farm, this issue of food insecurity would no longer be a discussion.
Given my stay here in Bor, I believe this place is much safer than Juba City; hence why can UN register those who are seeking assistance here instead of Guolyar? Most importantly, Hon. Mamer Ruk, Commissioner of Bor County is trying his best to bring security to Payam/Boma level. Since Jalle’s attack, the Commissioner is working hard to sensitize the youth to return to their Payams. In fact, there’s enough space here in Bor which can be designated for IDPS.
Interestingly, the same UN which is using “insecurity” in Bor as a tool of why they can’t register IDPS are comfortably fine giving assistance to civilians in rebels control (SPLM-IO). So, what’s unique about Bor? The LWP warehouse is located in Bor so while IDPS board their boats, the LWP load their boats full of food to Guolyar Refugee Camp. Ironic isn’t it?
Reaction from authorities:
There’s no reaction whatsoever from concern authorities here in Bor or outside of JS. Bor Port is at the heart of the government so everyone have seen this constant loadings of boats to Guolyar. While talking to few victims from Maar, I was able to witness 13 boats loaded with thousands of people heading to Guolyar. Nonetheless, it seems like everyone is minding their own business while the City disintegrates.
Coincidentally, the Head of Joint Monitoring and Evaluation came to Bor today while this saga was taking place. Ironic isn’t it?
Recommendations:
- Take the Microphone to blocks at night to assure people that Bor is safe and anyone in fear should feel secure. This itself will eliminate any propaganda since it’s coming from a reliable source
- Since the government is slow on this, I would urge Paramount Chief of Twic East, Bor County, and Duk County to sensitize our civil population on this issue.
- Call for an establishment of “IDP camp” in Pabial’s area in Bor. Our Chiefs, MPs, Commissioner, and Youth leader must unite and make their voice heard on this matter on the radio. If LWP needs to help people then they should create a UN camp like what they have in Guolyar or Minkaman in the outskirts of Bor Municipal Council.
Honestly, it pains me to see our people go through another Dec 15, 2013 journey simply because UN cannot register IDPS in Bor. When will the sons of Bor speak up before Bor Town become a no man land? Let’s be factual these IDPS are not returning back anytime soon if this trap is not reverse!
The Chairman of Greater Bor Community, Michael Makuei Lueth and Prof. Ajuoi either don’t know or they care less, because their silent is a sign of weakness. Please add your voices by calling your leaders at home. Well, attached are some of the photos i took today and yesterday.
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