UK offers South Sudan Sh12.4 billion to curb humanitarian crisis

South Sudan, on Thursday, South Sudan received £86 million (Sh 12.4 billion) to help address its humanitarian crisis, which has been worsened by conflict, drought, and flooding.

The aid from the United Kingdom Government is meant to save lives by providing food and rolling out cash transfers to citizens.

During a visit to Bentiu camp in South Sudan, the UK's Development Minister Anneliese Dodds remarked on the severe poverty she witnessed among the thousands of people living in the camp, who are surrounded by floodwaters.

"The camp I visited is also on the frontlines of the climate crisis, following unprecedented flooding that threatens to overwhelm over 100,000 displaced people who are already facing acute hunger and need," Dodds said.

Together with other partners and organisations, the UK government will provide 180,000 people with access to food and cash transfers, 15,000 children with treatment for severe malnutrition, and 40,000 displaced people with safe water in South Sudan.

"The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has left over 75 per cent of the population in desperate need, with many struggling to feed themselves and their families," Dodds added.

She further announced the classification of vital aid into various bands to accommodate specific groups of people. A large portion, 69 million pounds (Sh10 billion), will be set aside for humanitarian assistance.

Due to the unprecedented level of gender-based violence, 1.8 million pounds (Sh258 million) will help prevent gender-based violence cases as well as support the survivors.

The money will be used to support women-led organisations that work with communities and educate them about the effects of GBV.

"The funding will provide essential support to stop gender-based violence and ensure displaced communities can adapt to deal with the impacts of flooding and the climate crisis," said Dodds.

She also hinted that the UK government would allocate £15 million (Sh 2.2 billion) to support individuals in Sudan and those fleeing the conflict in Chad and South Sudan.

The funds will be used to send food parcels to 145,000 people in Sudan and another 60,000 vulnerable refugees in Chad.

The minister also disclosed that she was holding meetings with senior government officials and urged them to ensure that the elections scheduled for December are free and fair. She emphasised that political progress is essential for achieving peace and stability.