Located in north-eastern Africa, South Sudan is nearly 12 years old. It became Africa’s 54th country on 9 July 2011.
South Sudan may be the world’s youngest nation, but it has already endured years of instability.
A couple of years after the peace deal that saw the split of warring Sudan into two separate counties, South Sudan erupted into another civil war.
The lastest peace deal was agreed in 2018, between the South Sudan government and the opposition, but violent conflicts continue in communities.
Estimates are that at least 400 000 people have perished in the conflict since 2013.
Civil conflict has escalated into a major humanitarian crisis.
According to the World Bank, 9.4 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2023.
In addition, food insecurity has been worse since the country’s independence and due to the crisis malnutrition is prevalent.
Children, who are born to malnourished mothers, develop health issues that impact them majorly, such as childhood stunting as well as a low birth weight.
Human Rights Watch reports that sexual violence is widespread against women and girls.
Moreover, the conflicts have been the cause of more than 2.2 million people becoming displaced.
Climate change has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
When it comes to the economy, South Sudan is oil-rich, but is among the poorest countries in the world.
The civil war has halted economic development and destroyed infrastructure, and relationships.
As it is, the people of South Sudan are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Many have been left with horrific mental scars from many years of conflict.
There should also be a focus on psychological support for sexual abuse survivors – reporting and collecting information.
Though the response needed for South Sudan is among the largest in the world, only 50% of the amount appealed for has been secured from donor nations.
There is no quick fix for the country, but the humanitarian response must be intensified from all around the world.
Opposing parties need to adhere to the peace deal, ensure justice for serious crimes committed, proper development of the country and protect the human rights of civilians.
