United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol reaches remote Ibba communities amidst heavy rains, insecurity, and growing health threats

Heavy rains and insecurity have left communities in Ibba County in Western Equatoria State even more isolated than before. Determined to reach them, a recent UNMISS patrol travelled day and night on a tortuous journey to conquer the hundred kilometers of the almost impassable road connecting Yambio to Ibba County. Large sections of the road are badly damaged, with deep potholes, mud, and flooding forcing vehicles to regularly slow down to almost walking pace. It wasn’t just the difficult terrain that posed challenges. Recent attacks, vehicle ambushes, and abductions amplified the risks to the convoy. But leaving the struggling communities behind was not an option. “If you want to go to Maridi to buy goods for retail, it takes many hours. The road is bad and vehicles are being burned on the road. We also heard reports of armed men, and this increases fear because civilians from there have fled and are now staying with us,” explains Ibba County women leader, Monica Elia. “This is big challenge — bumps, insecurity, and rain,” says businesswoman, Reida Ali Ahmed. “Reaching Maridi was difficult. Big trucks break down and sometimes block the road.” The Juba–Mundri–Yambio highway is one o