Over 2.5 million at risk of famine in S. Sudan: UN
February 09, 2015 (JUBA) – More than 2.5 million people in South Sudan risk facing famine, with the ongoing conflict likely to intensify, a United Nations official said on Monday.
“If this conflict continues, we will see a generation of South Sudan children who are lost,” she told reporters in the capital, Juba.
South Sudan slipped into civil war in December 2013 when a power struggle in the ruling party between president Kiir and former deputy, Riek Machar turned violent. Thousands of people have died and nearly two million displaced since violence broke out in the country.
The UN launched a $1.8 billion appeal to assist the needy in the world’s youngest nation.
Amos also visited Ayod county, a rebel held territory in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, where thousands of people have been displaced on numerous occasions.
“People are desperate for peace and they are tired of living in fear. Many have had to flee several times. They were exhausted. They lack water. They are extremely worried that their children are at risk of being recruited into armed troops,” said Amos.
“It is also important to avert a further deterioration of humanitarian situation in the country. There are thousands of children who are suffering from malnutrition and the risk of hunger and disease is real,” she added.
At least $600 million, the senior UN official said, is urgently needed by the end of February so that aid agencies can take advantage of the dry season to reach more people in order to preposition supplies.
(ST)