WFP Warns of Looming Hunger Emergency for South Sudanese Fleeing Conflict in Sudan

On Tuesday, the World Food Program (WFP) warned that a hunger emergency is looming for scores of South Sudanese families fleeing the war in Sudan.

In a statement, WFP said that about 300,000 people have arrived in South Sudan since the conflict began across the border in mid-April, most of whom are returnees. 

Out of all the children, 20% of them suffer from malnutrition and 90% of families are struggling with moderate to severe food insecurity. Furthermore, data obtained from border crossings shows that over 25% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are also malnourished.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP’s Country Director in South Sudan said: “We are seeing families leave one disaster for another as they flee danger in Sudan only to find despair in South Sudan.” 

The returnees are returning to a country already facing unprecedented humanitarian needs. 

According to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office (OCHA), around 9.4 million people are in need of protection and assistance due to years of conflict, violence, food insecurity, climate impacts, and public health challenges. 

The rainy season has made conditions worse at crowded transit centers and border crossings, leading to flooding, food insecurity, and the spread of disease, as reported by WFP.

 Families who have fled from Sudan with very little have reported being robbed and experiencing violence. Those arriving now are in an even more vulnerable condition than those who fled in the early weeks of the conflict.