Conflict and Hunger Drive South Sudan Families to Starvation Crisis
Jonglei remains a violence-stricken area, with clashes between government forces allied with President Salva Kiir and militias supporting his long-time adversary Riek Machar.
Families in South Sudan’s Jonglei state are turning to unconventional food sources like leaves and water lilies as conflict and food scarcity escalate, pushing regions toward potential famine concerns, Save the Children cautioned on Tuesday.
Jonglei remains a violence-stricken area, with clashes between government forces allied with President Salva Kiir and militias supporting his long-time adversary Riek Machar.
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The United Nations and other organizations report extensive corruption, with billions siphoned away by political elites, leaving the impoverished population with scant services or assistance.
“In sections of Jonglei, families and children rely on leaves, water lilies from swamps, and planting seeds for sustenance. Mothers traverse floodplains searching for any food for their children,” Save the Children detailed in a statement.
Current data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveal that over 7.8 million individuals in South Sudan are experiencing acute hunger, with regions nearing famine conditions.
“This year presents heightened risks. Insecurity hampers food production,” stated Tabisa Ajer, a health worker at Bor hospital in Jonglei, quoted by Save the Children.
The IPC reports indicate that 2.2 million children under five need treatment for acute malnutrition, including almost 700,000 facing severe acute malnutrition.
Save the Children noted that severe hunger is driving children out of school, forcing many into child labor and early marriages.
The organization has been compelled to withdraw some programs following armed attacks and vandalism.
“International aid reductions disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in one of the world’s most unstable states,” stated Chris Nyamandi, the organization’s country director.
Nyamandi added, “This situation is preventable and can be alleviated before more children suffer.”
Although South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, the country quickly lapsed into civil conflict and remains plagued by deep-rooted poverty, corruption, and instability.
