April 23, 2025 – Morobo County, Central Equatoria State
Ongoing Clashes in Morobo County Displace Over 1,000 Households as Fighting Intensifies
Heavy fighting between government forces (SSPDF) and opposition troops (SPLA-IO) continues for the second consecutive day in Morobo County, forcing more than 1,000 households to flee their homes in search of safety. Gunshots were reported again early this morning, around 4:00 AM, as tensions escalated in Panyume Payam, Kendila Boma, and surrounding areas.
The initial clashes erupted on the morning of April 22, when the SSPDF launched what they described as a strategic offensive to secure key locations, including Kendila, Kenyira, and Yondu. Commissioner of Morobo County, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, confirmed the takeover of these areas and assured the public that security reinforcements are being deployed to stabilize the situation.
Displaced families — predominantly children, women, and the elderly — have gathered at Morobo County headquarters, where they are temporarily being sheltered in churches and schools. Humanitarian needs are mounting, with displaced persons citing urgent shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Meanwhile, the SPLA-IO issued a counterstatement, accusing the SSPDF of launching unprovoked attacks on their bases in Yaribe and Yondu. According to SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the government forces suffered heavy casualties after being repelled, and later conducted aerial strikes that destroyed civilian properties and public buildings in Panyume.
Col. Gabriel has warned civilians across Morobo, Kajo Keji, Lainya, and Yei counties to evacuate immediately to avoid being caught in what he described as an ongoing military campaign to turn these areas into active conflict zones.
Commissioner Bullen has called on affected families to register with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) to access emergency support and urged traders and residents to remain calm, promising that the situation is being closely managed.
As of this morning, April 23, gunfire is still being heard in several parts of Morobo, with fear and uncertainty spreading across nearby communities. Humanitarian agencies are on high alert, and calls are growing for immediate intervention to protect civilians and restore peace
