Christian Aid South Sudan Warning

(from www.lifeandwork.org)

Christian Aid is urging the UK and wider international community to act urgently to avert food crises in South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

It is feared that the recent eruption of conflict in Sudan will put further strain on food security in South Sudan, which is already suffering persistent flooding and losses of livestock alongside damage to homes and the displacement of vulnerable communities.

James Wani, Christian Aid’s South Sudan country manager, said: "The disastrous impacts of food shortages and mass loss of livestock have severely affected the resilience of communities. 

"In South Sudan, communities are still living in flood waters, and persistent insecurity and conflict have left two-thirds of the population food insecure. Areas in the North and West are at emergency levels of food insecurity and some households may fall into famine.

"We are worried the hunger crisis in South Sudan could escalate to catastrophic levels this year with the recent turn of events in Sudan. The country is already facing severe food deficits due to the climate crisis and conflict induced shocks with three quarters of the population projected to require food aid in 2023.

"With the recent influx of returnees and refugees into the country, the situation on the ground is worsening by the day, exacerbated by the current ‘lean season’, as humanitarian agencies struggle to assist those in need. Unless the international community shows solidarity, we will witness a humanitarian catastrophe at a level never seen before."

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