South Sudan lauds humanitarian efforts to avert famine
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FAO's José Graziano da Silva and WFP's David Beasley visit IDPs in
Unity region South Sudan on 24 May 2017 (WFP Photo)
June 21, 2017 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government welcomed and
commended, on Wednesday, the joint national and international efforts
collaboratively exerted to avert famine from occurring in the east
African country.
These efforts were the result of the immediate and sustained
multi-sector humanitarian assistance delivered to the population in
the conflict-affected areas where the government is fighting
opposition armed groups since over three years.
“This encouraging result clearly reflects the commitment the
government has made to provide unfettered access to the humanitarian
organisations to all parts of the country,” said Cabinet Affairs
Minister Martin Elia Lomuro to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
"It is through these concerted efforts that the famine has been
averted and as the government, we would like to commend and appreciate
the work of the humanitarian organisation and reaffirm our commitment
to working together to improve the situation," he added.
Minister Lomuro, who is also the head of the South Sudanese task force
responsible for monitoring and coordinating administrative efforts to
remove blockages and provide access to humanitarian agencies, said the
government would continue to exert more efforts in this respect.
He was reacting to the reports that were released on Wednesday by
South Sudan’s National Bureau of Statistics and the UN’s updated food
and security analysis which showed famine was no longer taking place.
The report, however, warned that the situation remains desperate as
the number of people at risk of starvation increased during May.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report shows
1.7 million people are still facing emergency levels of hunger, one
step below famine.
In February, South Sudan declared two counties in Unity State as
famine-hit areas.
The IPC report says the current situation in the areas has improved,
however, there are certain areas still in critical condition. Though
early detection and a rapid response succeeded in pulling them out of
famine and grouped them under a Phase 5 classification, according to
the World Food Program analysis.
The UN had warned of a worsening humanitarian situation and emphasised
that downgrading the level of existing famine in the region does not
mean the situation has completely improved. An estimated 45,000 people
are still facing starvation in Leer, Koch and Mayendit Counties, with
additional areas across the country having deteriorated as well.
The report shows former Jonglei State which had one of the lowest
levels of acute malnutrition with roughly 20,000 people currently
experiencing catastrophic food insecurity.
Yei, Lainya, Morobo, Kajo-Keji and Magwi, which were areas in
Equatoria region classified as greenbelt areas are facing crisis and
emergency levels of acute food insecurity. The conflict in the country
is an attributing cause that has driven people out of their homes,
resulting and subsequently leading to severe effects on agricultural
activities and markets.
The Western Upper Nile region is equally experiencing food insecurity,
especially in Manyo, Panyikang, and Fashoda where large displacements
have occurred due to the ongoing armed conflict. Through a situational
analysis, it has been found that former Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
is facing severe food insecurity caused by high food prices and
diminished household purchasing power.
While Western Bahr el Ghazal State saw a rise in armed conflict in the
counties of Wau and Raga, the disruption of trade, displaced of
populations, and livelihoods have been destroyed.
(ST)
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