What's happening in South Sudan?
Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have displaced millions of people.
Almost 2 million of those remain displaced inside Sudan, with over half a million people fleeing to neighbouring countries.
There are fears of a return to all-out war in a country with a history of armed conflict – endangering the fragile peace process in South Sudan. People are facing a crisis on crisis because of hunger and climate change.
A humanitarian crisis is deepening in South Sudan. Write to your MP and local paper to shine a light on what's happening.
Firsthand account from Renk border visit
Christian Aid Ireland’s CEO, Rosamond Bennett, visited Renk just a few weeks ago – near the border between Sudan and South Sudan – to see firsthand the unfolding humanitarian emergency.
Since 15 April 130,000 people, including South Sudanese nationals as well as refugees and third country nationals, have registered to have fled from Sudan to South Sudan. The vast majority of these people are arriving at the Joda border crossing in Upper Nile State.
Speaking of her recent visit to the transit centre in Renk, south of the Joda border crossing, Rosamond said:
‘When people arrive at the border they are tired but hopeful. Those hopes are quickly dashed when they realise there is no support for them.’
The transit centre, which is meant to hold 1-2,000 people for a few days before they move on, is severely overcrowded.
Rosamond added: ‘I saw many children who were severely malnourished. On just the first day I was there, four children died from diarrhoea and/or fever.’
Conditions at the transit centre have been made worse by recent rains and are likely to only worsen as the rainy season continues. Makeshift shelters aren't enough to protect people from the heavy rain.
People don't have enough food to eat. There are no toilets, so hygiene and sanitation are also major challenges.
Due to the overcrowding inside the transit centre, new arrivals are having to set up makeshift shelters outside the transit centre walls. Others are having to sleep out in the open, exposed to the elements, because there are no materials available to build a shelter.
Renk transit centre conditions
Conditions at the transit centre have been made worse by recent rains and are likely to only worsen as the rainy season continues. Makeshift shelters aren't enough to protect people from the heavy rain.
People don't have enough food to eat. There are no toilets, so hygiene and sanitation are also major challenges.
Due to the overcrowding inside the transit centre, new arrivals are having to set up makeshift shelters outside the transit centre walls. Others are having to sleep out in the open, exposed to the elements, because there are no materials available to build a shelter.
Christian Aid local partners are responding
Our local partner Africa Development Aid is already on the ground responding. They're working to provide people with communal shelters as well identifying children who've become separated from their families when they fled Sudan and referring them onwards to other agencies working to reunite families.
With Christian Aid funding, our partner Lutheran World Federation will be responding both inside and outside the transit centre in Renk. This includes giving the equivalent of $100 (approx. £82) in cash for 240 female-headed families so that they can buy food and other essentials, as well as three months’ worth of ‘dignity’ kits containing soap and sanitary towels to 800 women and girls.
But more support is urgently needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating even further.
Voices from the border
'It is my wish that I could be the first and the last person to live the life that I am living in now.'
During the recent trip, Christian Aid saw firsthand the unfolding humanitarian crisis and meet some of those fleeing Sudan across the border into South Sudan.
Hear the stories and challenges faced by those fleeing one crisis to another.
Image credits and information
Please join us in prayer for South Sudan
Lord Jesus, you bless the peacemakers and comfort those who mourn.
We pray to you for all people affected by the conflict in Sudan.
May there be hope for healing in the region.
Console with your presence all who are fearful, exhausted, and grieving.
Lord Jesus, you were carried into Egypt in your mother’s arms, in search of safety.
We pray to you for those crossing into South Sudan to escape the violence.
May they have food, water, support and a secure place to stay.
Shelter with your love all who have had to leave their homes and face an uncertain future.
Lord Jesus, you challenge us to love our neighbour, to do good, and to seek justice.
We pray that those who have the power and resources to act will turn their attention to this crisis.
May the supplies and assistance that are so desperately needed come quickly.
Strengthen through your spirit all who are pursuing peace.
The people of South Sudan cannot be forgotten. Download our social media graphic to share your voice and stand in solidarity.