WFP pledges humanitarian support for South Sudan

October 16, 2011 (JUBA) – The World Food Programme of the United Nations on Sunday pledged humanitarian support to the government of the newly born Republic of South Sudan, saying it will continue to support efforts aiming at improving food security and rural infrastructure for its citizens.

“Here in South Sudan, WFP’s food assistance programs continue to save lives and ensure that the neediest members of communities are able to protect and build on the little that they have for a better future. WFP will continue to implement programs that support South Sudan in its efforts to rapidly improve food security and rural infrastructure for its citizens”, said Chris Nikoi, WFP country director for South Sudan in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

Food security is especially important in South Sudan, which is recovering from decades of conflict and is one of the poorest regions if the world. Cattle raiding and conflict over scarce resources are common.

The statement entitled ‘Food Assistance builds Bridge between Hunger and Hope’ was released on Sunday as millions together with The World Food Programme (WFP) marked World Food Day on Sunday.

WFP says it has a vital role that food assistance plays during humanitarian crises, supporting recovery in the immediate aftermath of disasters, and building the resilience that is necessary to ensure food security.

As well as providing food to those displaced from fighting within South Sudan WFP also provides assistance for South Sudanese who are returning from north Sudan. In July South Sudan became independent as part of a 2005 peace, meaning that most will not be able to claim citizenship in the Sudan, forcing them to migrate into the world’s newest country.

“Across the world, we are the bridge between hunger and hope for millions of people,” said WFP executive director, Josette Sheeran.

Trade between Sudan and South Sudan and the economies of both countries have suffered since partition. Khartoum says that the new international border will only be open for trade once conflicts in its southern states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, which border South Sudan, are over.

In September inflation in South Sudan reached 57% due to rising food price according to the South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics (SSNBS).

This year’s theme for World Food Day, “Food Prices – from Crisis to Stability”, underlines the role that food assistance can play in protecting vulnerable communities that are affected by food price volatility.

Earlier this month South Sudan said the ongoing food crisis in the newly independent country could develop into a famine if no immediate remedies are taken.

Joseph Lual Acuil, South Sudan’s minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management said that “lower harvests due to unreliable rains coupled with the rising food prices world-wide, have created a severe food shortage leaving more than 1.3 million in need of food aid.”

(ST)