By Yiep Joseph
Chinese Embassy in the Republic of South Sudan on Monday handed over 980 tons of emergency food assistance donated to the government of South Sudan.
The consignment which consists of 500 tons of wheat flour and 480 tons of rice is meant to help vulnerable groups; people affected by floods as well as those affected by conflict in Sudan.
The consignment was handed over to the Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management in particular with the hope of planning effective and transparent distribution to the targeted beneficiaries.
In his address during the handover ceremony in Juba, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan MA Qiang reiterated that the assistance is part of the commitment from the People’s Republic of China.
He added that China, as a long-time friend of South Sudan, would continue to help South Sudan in all sectors, including the humanitarian sector.
The ambassador acknowledged the hardship people are going through due to the flood conflict in neighbouring Sudan, adding that those affected would be beneficiaries of the food assistance.
“As of October 2024, the flood was reported to have affected 772,000 people in 6 states and the Abyei Area. Part of the rice and wheat donated by the Chinese government will be distributed to these affected households and returnees from neighbouring countries to meet their urgent need, he said.
He appreciated the South Sudanese government for its continuous collaboration with the People’s Republic of China.
On his part, Albino Akol, Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said that the 980 tons made up of 19,600 bags of rice and wheat would be distributed to vulnerable people in the states.
The minister revealed that 60% of the food assistance will be for states, 25% will be for returnees, and 15% will benefit orphans and other vulnerable groups.
He reiterated that the consignment will help those affected by floods as well as those affected by conflict in Sudan.
Akol vowed to ensure that the food assistance reaches the target beneficiaries as planned.
“We will make sure that this food goes to vulnerable people; we must make sure that all vulnerable people must at least get a portion of this support from China so that they also, together with us, thank and give appreciation to the People’s Republic of China,” Akol said.
The minister appealed for more support from the partners, of which China is one of them, adding that more challenges are ahead as huge populations continue to face hunger and other humanitarian crises.