In South Sudan, tensions remain high and fighting continues between the forces of President Salva Kiir and those of Riek Machar, along with other opposition groups in the northeastern region of the country. Despite the violence, the city of Malakal, the capital of the Upper Nile State, has experienced a fragile calm since the resumption of hostilities among the signatories of last year's peace agreement. However, life in Malakal has not returned to normal for its residents, many of whom still reside in camps for displaced persons due to the ongoing conflict.

The situation in Malakal showcases the dire circumstances faced by those who have fled their homes. One camp currently shelters South Sudanese who escaped the violence in Sudan starting in 2023, while another has been housing around 45,000 people since the beginning of the civil war in 2013. These displaced individuals are engaged in their daily struggle for survival, reflecting the broader humanitarian crisis affecting the region.

As women line up to receive food aid, they wear brightly colored lawa garments, symbolizing their resilience amidst suffering. The ongoing distribution of aid is critical for these communities, highlighting the urgent need for a stable peace to ensure that they can rebuild their lives and eventually return home. The yearning for "true peace" echoes the sentiment of many displaced individuals throughout the region, pressing for both immediate and long-term solutions to end the violence.