By Philip Buda Ladu
Influx of refugees into South Sudan has surpassed the half-million mark, primarily due to ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
This has immensely strained resources of a country, already grappling with its own internal displacement crisis.
In a statement extended to this outlet, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), announced on Friday that the refugees are hosted across 30 locations in the country, mainly in refugee camps in Maban, Jamjang, Wedweil, and Gorom.
According to UNHCR, over 810,000 people have fled Sudan to South Sudan since April 2023.
Prior to April 2023, South Sudan was already home to 275,000 refugees, most of whom were from Sudan and had arrived over a decade ago.
This represents a significant increase from the 275,000 refugees already residing in the country prior to the recent crisis, putting South Sudan second country to receive the largest number of people fleeing Sudan.
Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR’s Representative in South Sudan, expressed concern over the situation, underscoring the growing impact of the crisis across the region.
“The conflict in Sudan is hitting South Sudan harder than any other country in the region,” she stated. “It adds to the immense challenges the nation is facing.”
The influx of refugees has strained South Sudan’s economy, with rising inflation and limited resources affecting both local communities and new arrivals.
UNHCR and its partners are working tirelessly to provide essential services such as water, shelter, and medical care. However, significant funding gaps remain, hindering efforts to meet the growing needs.
“It is clear that the only solution is the end of the conflict in Sudan,” Verney added. “South Sudan cannot continue to absorb so much suffering.”
2024 has posed unprecedented challenges for South Sudan, with the ongoing crisis in Sudan severely disrupting supply routes and oil exports, raising inflation and further weakening the economy.
Prices of essentials including food have skyrocketed, limiting available resources in host communities, and making it extremely challenging to integrate new arrivals.
While funding for South Sudan remains generous, resources to fully meet people’s needs are still significantly low. As of October 2024, UNHCR said its activities in the country were only 47 per cent funded.
As the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan continues to escalate, the international community is urged to provide increased support to both refugees and host communities.