People in Juba have been traumatized by the renewed violence in the city between 8 and 12 July. Many are leaving Juba for refugee camps in the neighboring countries due to fear of renewed fighting. The civilians are crying out for protection as they have lost trust in the government and the army. The South Sudan Women’s Monthly Forum stresses that “we need protection, we have no trust in our soldiers, they don’t respect us.” The UN Security Council has approved additional peacekeeping forces to protect civilians, but it remains to be seen when they will deploy and how they will operate.
In these very difficult conditions, our women’s literacy project is not active at the moment, as many women fear to gather in one place. However, the university and the Health Science Institute, where we are supporting two paramedical students are functioning. In Juba university, students in 1st year have finished their exams and those in upper classes are starting their exams next week. Unfortunately, two of our scholars are sick and have been transferred to Khartoum for medical treatment and another is in refugee camp in Uganda.
We pray that peace will return to Juba and continue to prepare for the relaunching of our projects when that day comes. We count on your support.