'Caught between a war and a flood' - more support needed in South Sudan

Press release21 May 2024

South Sudan is a landlocked nation in east Central Africa south of Sudan.

OVER 660,000 refugees are caught between war in Sudan and flooding in neighbouring South Sudan, according to an Irish aid organisation responding to both major humanitarian crises.

Concern Worldwide is appealing for more support as thousands more people cross the border into South Sudan each day due to an ongoing conflict in Sudan.

South Sudan already has a humanitarian crisis of its own made worse by severe floods and with an estimated 9 million people projected to need humanitarian assistance and protection by the end of this year.

“The situation in northern South Sudan is dire, exacerbated by the continuous influx of refugees from neighbouring Sudan, where conflict rages unabated,” said Concern’s South Sudan Country Director, Zlatko Gegic.

“Many of those fleeing the conflict in Sudan into northern South Sudan are caught between a war and a flood.

“Much of the South Sudanese countryside is under water due to repeated flooding, which has increased rates of malaria and other waterborne diseases.

“Damage to crops and submerged agricultural land has also contributed to a rise in child malnutrition, which is fatal if not treated.

“We are providing clean water, nutrition, health and other services, but urgent action is needed now to secure additional funding and support for humanitarian efforts in South Sudan.

“Without adequate resources, the ability of humanitarian organisations to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations will remain severely compromised.”

A mother-of-10 living in a displacement camp in Rotriak, northern South Sudan, said each day is a battle against hunger.

Nyabuok Majok (40) said she faces the agonising choice of which child will go to bed with an empty stomach each night.

"Hearing Nyabuok's story and witnessing her struggle to feed her children is heart-breaking,” said Zlatko Gegic.

“Urgent action is needed to prevent more families from facing such anguish. We must act now to save lives and offer hope.”

Over 10.7 million people have fled the ongoing war in Sudan including 1.7 million to neighbouring countries like Chad and South Sudan – despite these countries also facing major challenges of their own.

For more details about Concern’s work and ways to support its aid efforts in South Sudan, visit concern.net.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Kevin Jenkinson at kevin.jenkinson@concern.net.