Residents of the remote Rii-rangu area in Western Equatoria State say years of conflict and isolation have left them without safe drinking water, healthcare, schools and other essential public services, despite an improvement in security in the area. A recent UNMISS patrol reached the village after travelling along flood-damaged roads to assess security conditions and hear residents’ concerns under the mission’s civilian protection mandate. Residents said women and children continue to bear the brunt of the humanitarian challenges, citing the lack of clean water, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities. UNMISS said its patrols to remote areas are intended to assess security conditions, identify protection concerns and engage local authorities and humanitarian partners on urgent needs. Senyo Kofi Dzamefe, a UNMISS military observer, said residents raised concerns during the visit about the closure of the area’s health facility and primary school.