South Sudan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis as violence, floods, and economic instability converge, leaving millions in dire need. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 7 million people in the country are currently facing food insecurity, marking a more than 20 percent increase since mid-2023.
In Jonglei State alone, catastrophic food insecurity has surged to 79,000 individuals, nearly doubling from last year’s 35,000. The escalating conflict in neighboring Sudan has compounded the situation, leading to an influx of new arrivals and exacerbating the strain on already limited resources.
Adding to the crisis, South Sudan is bracing for its worst floods in six decades. Starting in September, the humanitarian community is mobilizing to provide life-saving assistance to an estimated 2.4 million of the 3.3 million people projected to be affected by the flooding across northern, northeastern, and central regions.
Despite the urgent needs, funding remains critically low. OCHA has highlighted that $264 million is required to address the current challenges, but as of six months into 2024, less than 20 percent of this year's appeal has been funded, with only $353 million secured out of the nearly $1.8 billion needed for broader response efforts.
The international community faces a daunting task in supporting South Sudan through this multifaceted crisis, where the convergence of violence, natural disasters, and economic hardship continues to threaten the livelihoods and well-being of millions.
Reference(s):
UN: Thousands in South Sudan facing high level of food insecurity
cgtn.com
