CARE South Sudan is raising urgent concerns over the escalating tensions, which threaten to worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The humanitarian organisation issued the warning amid intensified mediation efforts. Kenya has already intervened by sending its special envoy, former premier Raila Odinga, following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar and his wife Angelina Teny.
It warns that South Sudan is facing a cholera outbreak affecting over 1 million people, rising hunger levels with 7.7 million at risk of food insecurity, and increasing displacement due to renewed conflict, with Women and girls bearing the brunt of the crisis, including facing heightened risks of violence and limited access to basic necessities.
“The escalating tensions are worsening conditions for already vulnerable communities and threaten to set back progress for women and girls in the country,” Abel Whande, CARE South Sudan’s Country Director, emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
“Gains achieved since the 2018 peace deal risk being eroded, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. All parties must prioritize women’s protection and meaningful inclusion in their efforts to restore peace and stability.”
Recent clashes have displaced around 100,000 people in Upper Nile state, forcing many to seek refuge in neighboring Ethiopia’s Gambella region.
At the same time, more than 1 million refugees and returnees needing urgent shelter and lifesaving support have returned from Sudan, fleeing the violence and degradation also happening there.
“Humanitarian organizations face mounting challenges in delivering aid, as insecurity hampers access to affected areas. The international community must urgently support efforts to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to provide life-saving assistance.” Appeals Whande.
Cholera crisis
Over 1 million people in South Sudan are affected by the cholera crisis, and as of 2nd April, the disease has claimed 799 lives, with more than 40,000 confirmed cases reported across 40 counties in nine states.
“ At already overcrowded health centers, patients are forced to receive treatment under trees in the open. The lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and oral cholera vaccines is fuelling the outbreak. This crisis disproportionately impacts women and girls, who, not only take care of sick family members but are already forced to travel long distances for water”, the organization regrets.
South Sudan is facing a worsening hunger situation. Between April and July of this year, food shortages are forecasted to worsen, and about 7.7 million people in South Sudan will struggle to get enough food. Out of these, over 2.5 million will be severely hungry and 63,000 could starve.
While the country struggles to address this poly crisis, it is also experiencing a severe funding shortfall, with only 10.5% of the humanitarian response plan currently funded.
“We urgently implore all parties involved to find more amicable ways to address their issues, adhering strictly to international humanitarian law,” Abel Whande Said. “We urge the protection of civilians who are most affected by the violence. Humanitarian workers must have safe, unhindered access to those in need, and critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and water systems must be safeguarded. Failure to do so will deepen suffering and disrupt life-saving aid.”
“The humanitarian response plan requires immediate funding to prevent further deterioration, especially given the critical need to address the spread of cholera and to safeguard the rights and well-being of South Sudan’s women and girls”, he adds.
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE
