Save the Children, a British humanitarian organization, issued a stark warning today about the dire situation unfolding in South Sudan.
The world’s youngest nation faces a “horror scenario” as it braces for its worst floods in 60 years, putting parts of the country on the “brink of famine.”
Despite gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan remains deeply unstable. Decades of conflict and violence have ravaged the nation, despite its rich oil reserves.
The upcoming floods, coupled with existing vulnerabilities, threaten to push the country into a full-blown famine.
“In all likelihood, we will see children start to die from hunger-related illnesses as the flooding takes hold,” said Pornpun Jib Rabiltossaporn, Save the Children’s South Sudan Country Director.
The organization cited data from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, highlighting the “imminent disaster” looming as floodwaters rise.
Years of conflict, hunger, and rising food prices have already severely impacted South Sudan’s population.
The recent influx of refugees and returnees from the 15-month conflict in neighboring Sudan further strains the country’s resources and infrastructure.
This isn’t South Sudan’s first encounter with famine. In 2017, Unity State, a region frequently embroiled in violence, faced a devastating famine impacting over 100,000 people.
The nation’s history is marred by feuding leaders and chronic instability, with nearly half of its existence marked by war.
A fragile peace deal signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and his former rebel leader Riek Machar offered hope.
However, the country continues to grapple with floods, hunger, and renewed violence. The promises of stability and prosperity remain unfulfilled, leaving South Sudan teetering on the edge of another humanitarian crisis.