Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Hou Akot Hou
Published on 2024-03-09 18:47:06
On Thursday, a group of generous well-wishers from the diaspora in the western region showed their support for internally displaced people living in the Rum-Akudi suburb of Aweil Town in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state. These well-wishers came to the aid of 100 households who had been forced to flee from Abyei due to the conflict between the Dinka Ngok of Abyei and Twic communities.
Led by Luka Dut, the project coordinator, the group managed to raise $1,950 which they used to purchase essential supplies for the displaced families. They acquired twenty-six sacks of sorghum, providing each household with 37 kilos of dura, equivalent to 10 malwas, a local unit of measurement for food items.
Dut explained the meticulous process he followed to ensure the aid reached those in need, stating, “The people we have targeted are those who were displaced from Abyei. I used to go door to door, register them, and take their photos on my smartphone. After I came back, I used that method by calling out the names and seeing the photo I took. Three people took a sack, and they went and divided it among themselves. That is a strategy we embarked on to help them.”
He also highlighted the urgent need for plastic sheeting among the displaced population, urging humanitarian organizations to address this requirement promptly.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the assistance and appealed for more humanitarian aid to alleviate their suffering. Chollo Charles Juma thanked the donors and well-wishers for their generosity, acknowledging their crucial support during a challenging time. Another IDP, Rebecca Atong, praised the kindness of the Aweil Community and encouraged them to continue assisting those in need.
The United Nations World Food Programme has identified Northern Bahr El Gazal as one of the states facing severe food insecurity. The organization has warned of potential starvation and called for funding to address the escalating crisis, exacerbated by the influx of returnees, refugees, and internally displaced persons from Abyei.
The collaboration between the diaspora well-wishers and the local community in Aweil serves as a beacon of hope during these tumultuous times. The act of solidarity and compassion demonstrated by these individuals underscores the importance of community support in times of crisis. As the region grapples with food insecurity and humanitarian challenges, initiatives like this offer a glimmer of hope and a reminder that collective action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most vulnerable.
Read the original article on Talk of Juba
