Hunger to hit Jonglei harder – UN

By Philip Thon Aleu

November 9, 2009 (BOR) – Jonglei state faces severe hunger situation
if nothing is done, a visiting United Nations children’s agency UNICEF
told reporters here Sunday.

At least 1.2 millions people in south Sudan are at risk of starvation
following poor rains and tribal conflicts this year that had dislodged
thousands of people from their ancestral homes where small scale
farming could be practiced. 2009 is a year of low and higher tribal
tension in Jonglei state.

Speaking to reporters at Bor Civil Hospital, Johnson says: “Here
[Jonglei] the crisis is going to hit very hard (and) we are just
seeing the beginning of it.”

“If we are not able to handle the situation well” a “very significant
levels [of hunger] which becomes a famine” is affording, she added.

Flanked by State Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk, the UNICEF staff added that
there worries to increase emergencies. Johnson toured the few
developing or underdeveloped social amenities in the town including
schools. At Bor civil hospital, Johnson personally interacted with
women nursing malnourished children with clear protruding ribs and
backbones – indication that the children are fed on low nutritious
food.

Banners with writings welcoming Johnson hangs in Bor streets in her
capacity a noticeable figure during the negotiations of Comprehensive
Peace Agreement four years ago. Before landing in Bor Saturday
afternoon, Johnson had visited Akobo, Duk Padiet and Wernyol – areas
gravely raided this year by local armed men. But with dry season at
doorstep, competition over grazing lands is feared to trigger more
tension and like conflicts.

(ST)