By Deng Ghai Deng
The U.S. government has pledged an additional $95 million in humanitarian assistance to South Sudan.
U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler and USAID Mission Director Kate Crawford, announced Monday.
This new funding, through USAID, will support to over 700,000 individuals in the country’s most food-insecure regions.
The announcement brings the total U.S. government humanitarian aid to South Sudan to more than $508 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
This aid will support crucial work by humanitarian partners, including the World Food Program, amid worsening conditions in the country.
“This assistance arrives at a critical time,” the state read. “More than seven million people in South Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. In addition, nearly 780,000 people have fled from Sudan to South Sudan since the escalation of conflict in April of last year.”
South Sudan is grappling with severe humanitarian challenges, including the displacement of thousands due to conflict and the looming threat of widespread flooding affecting up to 3.3 million people.
The situation has strained local resources and highlighted the need for increased international support.
In light of these challenges, USAID’s Kate Crawford emphasized the importance of international solidarity “In the face of these challenges and increased strain on the humanitarian system, we continue to urge the transitional government to contribute more financial resources to humanitarian assistance and to reduce the costs and risks faced by donors and their implementing partners, who are seeking to help the South Sudanese people.”
The U.S. government’s commitment underscores a broader effort to address the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and supports ongoing relief operations in one of the world’s most challenging environments.