22/07/2025
The Escalating Crisis in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State
22nd July 2025
The security situation in Tambura County continues to worsen with each passing day. On 22nd July 2025, heavy gunfire erupted in several villages—Kutu, Yangu, Mofoi, Nabaria, Dukurungo, and Magbagir—resulting in widespread violence, destruction, and displacement.
Houses were burned to the ground, property looted, and countless families displaced, including children and elderly people left without support. One death has been confirmed—a 52-year-old man from the Balanda community, who appear to be the primary targets of these attacks. Disturbingly, these acts of violence are allegedly being led by James Nando and members of his ethnic group.
The humanitarian situation on the ground is dire:
No protection or presence of security forces
No access to medical care
No shelter or safe havens for the displaced
Acute shortage of clean water and basic services
Despite the clear ethnic dimension of the violence and the growing number of victims, both the state and national governments have remained silent and inactive.
This tragedy prompts urgent and serious questions:
Why are local and national leaders silent as communities are torn apart?
Why has the national government failed to intervene, despite knowing the crisis has lasted over four years?
How long will innocent civilians continue to suffer before meaningful action is taken?
The continued presence of James Nando in Tambura has only deepened the instability, fostering fear and division among communities.
The silence of those in power—at all levels—is not just neglected. It is complicity.
If immediate action is not taken, the humanitarian and security crisis in Tambura will continue to escalate, claiming more lives and destroying the social fabric of the region.
