By Matik Kueth
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol, reported that more than 1.2 million Sudanese refugees are seeking refuge in South Sudan.
This massive influx represents a tectonic shift, exacerbating an already desperate situation and complicating matters amidst declining donor support.
Akol revealed this alarming data during a meeting with President Salva Kiir on Saturday, where he delivered a detailed report on the depth of the situation.
The crisis has worsened due to the recent withdrawal of USAID support to aid agencies, leaving South Sudan with unprecedented challenges.
President Kiir urged the people of South Sudan to adopt self-sufficiency measures to support the local economy, despite the increasing number of refugees.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and its partners in addressing these significant challenges, emphasizing the allocation of resources to the areas most in need.
On her part, Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Representative, underscored the necessity of launching a national campaign to encourage local production and enhance economic resilience.
The necessity for both public participation and self-reliance emphasizes the importance of collaborating to manage the current crisis in South Sudan, as the humanitarian situation becomes increasingly complex.
Since the Sudan crisis began in April 2023, the number of civilians fleeing to South Sudan has increased daily. Among the 1.2 million, 70 percent are South Sudanese nationals who have returned home.