National, News

Activist calls for gov’t action against hunger

By Yiep Joseph

 

Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has called on the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to take immediate action to address the looming hunger crisis in the country.

CPA’s Executive Director, Ter Manyang, in a statement shared with the media, highlighted that the nation is at risk of famine and requires government intervention.
Due to ongoing conflict and poor road infrastructure, the country continues to suffer from food shortages, leaving many people going to bed without food.

South Sudan relies heavily on agricultural products from neighboring countries, while the limited produce from local farms often fails to reach the market due to inadequate transport routes.

As the government works on implementing peace initiatives, activist Ter is urging immediate action to combat the imminent hunger crisis in the country.

“The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) calls on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to take immediate action to address the impending hunger crisis in South Sudan,” Ter said.

The activist recommends that the government provide both cash and in-kind food aid to the population as short-term.

He urged the government to ensure peace and security to allow farmers to carry out farming activities in the areas.

Ter emphasized addressing hunger caused by conflict through prompt actions to hold those who violate the law accountable.

The Activist expressed that due to several warnings from the UN agencies, there is a need for the government to set up measures to respond to the looming hunger in the country.

“Several UN agencies are warning the South Sudanese government to confront this hunger crisis, as it poses a significant threat to the country’s stability” he said.

He expressed that due to insecurity farmers, most farmers fear to access their farms.

“Due to insufficient security that hinders farmers from cultivating their gardens, South Sudan is likely to face hunger for the first time in over 60 years, leading to an increase in crimes such as robbery,” he said.

“This insecurity may drive young people to take desperate measures for survival. Therefore, we welcome the investment initiatives in short-term emergency measures that are helping to save lives in South Sudan,” he explained.

The activist urged RTGoNU to establish meaningful connections with citizens and framers to restore their faith, hope, and confidence in the government.

The call for more inclusive diplomacy and a stronger focus on addressing the long-term causes of chronic food insecurity is just the first of several measures that RTGoNU should undertake,” he said.

In his New Year’s address, Kiir reiterated government efforts to boost food production in the country.

“The Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.

“In the year 2025, the government will prioritize agriculture to enhance our food security. I am therefore directing the Ministry of Agriculture to double efforts to support the farmers across the country to improve yield. The Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.

Kiir expressed that the rehabilitation of the roads leading to Western Equatoria state would ensure that Juba and other neighbouring towns received food items produced within the country.

The President also directed the Army to provide security on the roads to ensure the safety of farmers and travellers in general.

In November 2024 the UN World Food Programme (WFP) raised the alarm over worsening hunger, malnutrition in South Sudan.

WFP warned that the food situation in South Sudan has reached critical levels, with more than half of the population already facing “crisis-level” hunger – classified as at least IPC3 on the five-point global food insecurity scale.

Exacerbating the situation is that the UN food agency has no funds to preposition supplies for next year (2025), as it also faces challenges accessing communities in need due to seasonal road closures and prohibitive costs associated with airlifting aid.

According to WFP, the country’s hunger crisis is compounded by several factors, including high food prices, economic instability, ongoing conflict, and an influx of refugees from neighbouring Sudan.

Severe floods have not only destroyed crops but also displaced entire communities, leaving them dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive.

WFP’s current resources have only managed to reach 38 per cent of those in need during 2024’s lean season, with most recipients receiving half-rations.

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