South Sudan Refugee Camp Becomes New Battleground as Armed Groups Target Displaced Families
Juba, 19 March 2026
Sudanese refugees who fled war at home now face armed attacks within supposedly safe UN camps in South Sudan. At Makpandu refugee camp in Western Equatoria, families report constant fear as armed groups regularly enter, firing weapons, intimidating residents, and burning property. The violence has become so severe that some refugees sleep in bushland outside the camp for safety, defeating the purpose of seeking sanctuary. UN peacekeeping forces have increased patrols following a deadly attack that killed a Sudanese refugee on 18 March 2026, but thousands remain vulnerable in what was meant to be a protected environment.
UN Peacekeepers Respond to Escalating Violence
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) conducted a patrol at Makpandu refugee camp in Yambio, Western Equatoria, following a recent deadly attack in which a Sudanese refugee lost his life [1]. The mission aimed to assess security in the area and work with local authorities, security forces, and refugee communities to strengthen protection of civilians, prevent further violence, and build confidence [1]. This response comes as part of UNMISS’s broader mandate to protect civilians, led by approximately 14,000 military peacekeepers across South Sudan [2].
Daily Terror for Refugee Families
For thousands of Sudanese refugees who fled conflict across the border, Makpandu camp was meant to offer safety, but growing insecurity in the area has left many families living in fear again [1]. Bekia Mahadi and her eight children are among those who sought sanctuary at the camp, but she says the persistent violence is causing constant anxiety [1]. Refugee families report that armed individuals frequently enter the camp, firing weapons, intimidating families and looting or burning property [1]. These incidents have forced some refugees to sleep in bush areas outside the camp for safety, creating an impossible situation where those seeking protection must abandon the very shelters designed to keep them safe [1].
Peacekeeping Challenges in Complex Environment
UN peacekeepers emphasise that sustained engagement, regular patrols and cooperation with authorities remain key to restoring a sense of safety for families who have already fled conflict once before [1]. However, the complexity of peacekeeping operations in South Sudan presents significant challenges, as access denials due to political situations hinder UNMISS’s ability to fulfil its mandate [2]. Former Force Commander Mohan Subramanian, who led the mission until March 2026 after almost four years of service, noted that peacekeeping requires a different approach than traditional military operations: “Nothing that I had done in thirty-six years of military service could have prepared me for this role which is very different from a military tenure. You cannot just issue orders. You’ve got to explain them” [2].
Broader Context of Displacement Crisis
The situation at Makpandu reflects a wider crisis affecting displaced populations across South Sudan. In nearby Mundri, UNMISS peacekeepers visited displaced families and local leaders on 17 March 2026, finding over 4,000 people housed in makeshift shelters at a church compound due to military confrontations [3]. The peacekeeping mission has expanded its protection toolkit beyond physical violence to include conflict-related sexual violence and the effects of climate change [2]. As refugees continue to call for stronger protection and support, the incident at Makpandu underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security measures to protect vulnerable populations who have already endured the trauma of fleeing their homes [1].