Published on 15 August 2023
Written by Jo Dallas

As South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, marks another year of independence the country continues to face multiple humanitarian challenges.

These include sporadic inter-communal conflict and climate shocks, forcing communities from their homes and increasing levels of food insecurity.  In addition, fierce fighting in neighbouring Sudan which started in April, has forced over 150,000 people to cross the border, swelling the population of many towns and villages in the north of South Sudan.

Earlier this year Christian Aid Scotland successfully applied for £125,000 of funding from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund to support families in Kodok in the Upper Nile region who’ve had to flee from conflict with only the clothes on their backs.

Women, children and the elderly are those most at risk of finding themselves internally displaced, with few resources with which to buy food and essentials.

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During the rainy season the river levels rise, meaning access to the community at Lul is more challenging. Pictured are Christian Aid staff and partner ADA attempting the river crossing on foot. Sylvester Koraba / Christian Aid Credit: Sylvester Koraba / Christian Aid
Christian Aid staff and partner ADA attempting the river crossing on foot
During the rainy season the river levels rise, meaning access to the community at Lul is more challenging. Pictured are Christian Aid staff and partner ADA attempting the river crossing on foot. Sylvester Koraba / Christian Aid

Working alongside our local partner ADA (Africa Development Aid) the money has now been distributed to 681 households, allowing them to buy essentials like food, clothes and in some cases bamboo poles and plastic sheeting to strengthen their temporary homes.

Another element of the Scottish Government funded project has been the construction of 5 latrines, after it was identified that there was a severe lack of toilet facilities (an issue compounded by the new arrivals from Sudan, putting pressure on existing infrastructure). 

The project has seen the construction of toilet blocks along with a campaign to increase hygiene awareness. Having toilets ensures personal dignity and can also help reduce outbreaks of disease.

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New toilet facilities built with funding from the Scottish Government’s Emergency Humanitarian Fund Credit: Franco Kalisto / Christian Aid
New toilet facilities built with funding from the Scottish Government’s Emergency Humanitarian Fund

One of the additional items requested by returnees (people returning to this area to live having left neighbouring Sudan) has been fishing nets and wire.

Christian Aid was able respond to this request and James Wani, Christian Aid’s Country Director for South Sudan team explains why this equipment is so valuable,

“Food insecurity continues to be the harsh reality for the people of South Sudan but in the local river there are many fish, which with the right equipment and knowledge can be caught, dried and eaten. It was the request of the local community to be supplied with fishing equipment and nets so that they can be resourceful and build resilience. Fifteen people also received training so that they can share skills within the community around handling and preserving the fish.

These are challenging times for communities living in Upper Nile. Not only were thousands of people displaced due to conflict at the end of the 2022, but the fighting in Sudan has brought new arrivals to an area where food insecurity and malnutrition are at worryingly high levels.

We are grateful to the Scottish Government for funding some of our humanitarian work, but the need remains immense.”

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Fish hanging on wire to dry in the sunshine as a means of preserving it, South Sudan Credit: Sylvester Koraba / Christian Aid
Fish hanging on wire to dry in the sunshine as a means of preserving it
Fish hanging on wire to dry in the sunshine as a means of preserving it. Sylvester Koraba / Christian Aid

Some aspects of the project are still to be completed, including one more toilet block, which was delayed as the materials didn’t get delivered in time.

Importantly, the cash support has now been distributed to those most vulnerable in these hard-to-reach communities during a very difficult period, allowing them the freedom to spend the money on food and items most important to them. Find out more about our work in South Sudan.