Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-03 09:17:33
The current situation in Renk, a town bordering Sudan, is dire as over half a million people have fled Sudan’s conflict and are now overcrowding transit centers. Oxfam has reported that more than 300 people are forced to share one water tap, leading to a lack of clean water and sanitation that is increasing the risk of cholera.
At present, more than 15,000 individuals are staying at two centers in Renk that were only designed to accommodate 4,750 people. Additionally, up to 5,000 more people are living in the open without access to clean water or proper hygiene facilities. This overcrowding and lack of basic necessities are exacerbating the already challenging conditions in the area.
Before the recent conflict, South Sudan had already seen 1,027 cases of cholera, and Oxfam is now warning of an increased risk of the disease due to poor sanitation practices. The aid agency highlighted that more than 100 people are being forced to use a single latrine, which is more than double the minimum standard recommended for sanitary conditions.
Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s South Sudan Country Director, expressed grave concerns about the current situation in Renk, stating that without immediate intervention, the area could face a full-blown catastrophe. The upcoming rainy season in April is expected to further complicate matters by cutting off major roads and limiting transportation to shelters.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is already dire, with over 80% of the population in urgent need of assistance. Oxfam emphasized that overlapping crises, including floods and conflicts, have devastated the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the country.
One mother, Bibiana Peter, shared her heartbreaking story of struggling to feed her children and facing multiple dangers to collect firewood for survival. The upcoming lean season from April to July is expected to worsen the food shortage, affecting both the displaced population and the host community.
According to aid agencies, over 7 million people in South Sudan are facing extreme hunger, with 79,000 individuals at catastrophic levels of hunger. Despite the increasing need for assistance, funding for humanitarian efforts in South Sudan has dwindled to unprecedented lows, with less than 4% of the required $1.79 billion UN appeal raised so far this year.
Oxfam and its partners have been providing clean water and sanitation to over 70,000 people in the transit camps but urgently require $7 million to expand their operations and reach 400,000 individuals with life-saving food, water, and sanitation services. The UN appeal for South Sudan has been significantly reduced, and the limited funding is severely hampering humanitarian efforts in the region.
Dr. Manenji stressed the importance of not turning a blind eye to the crisis in South Sudan, as every day of delayed action only worsens the suffering of a population that has already endured years of devastation. The urgent need for assistance in South Sudan cannot be overstated, and immediate action is required to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflict and displacement.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
