By Gladys Fred Kole
South Sudan faces difficulties in seeking international community attention and help due to conflicts in the regions and the world, Norwegian special envoy said.
Ambassador Jon Anton Johnson, the Norwegian special envoy to South Sudan, made the statement on Friday, at the conclusion of his three-day visit to Juba.
He said that working to keep up international attention and support for the young East African nation is becoming tough.
Anton noted that the raging war in neighboring Sudan presents a tough time in terms of conflict and humanitarian crisis.
“South Sudan already has challenges that are affecting the economy, security, and every aspect of South Sudanese society.” Anthon stated.
The Norwegian diplomat, however, commended South Sudan for keeping its borders open for refugees from Sudan.
He acknowledged the difficulties and challenging moments in the region and the impacts on South Sudan.
“Of course, the developments in Sudan are extremely worrisome, and as the war rages on, it impacts all the neighbors of Sudan, with South Sudan being one of the country’s most heavily impacted, maybe the one that is solely close to Sudan,” said Anthon.
The envoy worries about more devastating impact of Sudan conflict on South Sudan, given the fluid situation.
“There’s a lot of conflict in the world and in this region, and we are working to keep up the international attention and support for South Sudan, but it’s not easy,” he noted.
Sudan’s army forces have been locked in fierce fighting with the country’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April, killing thousands and displacing over five million people.
Inside Sudan, the humanitarian situation remains dire due to shortages of food, water, and fuel, limited communications and electricity.
Prices of essential items for basic needs are skyrocketing while health care has been critically affected, with severe shortages of medicines and vital supplies, according to the IOM report.