Tuesday, 13th August 2024.
Author: Charles Opendi (Ugandan)
Humanitarian News. Tuesday, August 13, 2024, and press@usaid.gov. Monday, August 12, 2024.
Michael J. Adler, the US Ambassador to South Sudan announcing the Gabat Nutrition Site in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazel state (WFP photo)
Summary.
Today, the United States, through USAID, announced $95 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support crisis-affected populations in South Sudan. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler announced in Juba, bringing the total U.S. government life-saving assistance in South Sudan to more than $508 million to date in fiscal year 2024. This so timely considering the current crisis in the land.
Background
A political power struggle between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar resulted in violent clashes between ethnic army factions in December 2013. Since then fighting has spread across South Sudan and claimed thousands of lives to date.
South Sudan is experiencing compounding crises, including inter-communal conflict, flooding, and an influx of refugees and returnees from neighboring Sudan, which have escalated humanitarian needs for millions of people this year. With food insecurity expected to increase during the lean season from June to September, humanitarian partners are scaling up life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people across the country at this critical time.
Food security is a priority.
This assistance arrives at a critical time when more than 7 million people in South Sudan are repeatedly facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
In addition, nearly 780,000 people have fled from Sudan to South Sudan since the escalation of conflict in April 2023.
These individuals often arrive in South Sudan food-insecure, malnourished, and with few to no possessions.
Also, about 3.3 million people may be adversely affected by flooding across South Sudan in the coming months.
“In the face of these challenges and increased strain on the humanitarian system, we continue to urge the transitional government to contribute more financial resources to humanitarian assistance and to reduce the costs and risks faced by donors and their implementing partners, who are seeking to help the South Sudanese people,” the statement concluded.
Call for more support.
The United States continues to stand with the people of South Sudan while they face multiple crises and increasing humanitarian needs. We call on other donors to join us in our efforts to save lives and alleviate suffering.
Reference
Humanitarian News. U.S announces $95m additional support for South Sudan. Published on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
2. USAID press release. The United States Announces Nearly $95 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for South Sudan. press@usaid.gov.
Full PDF.
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