SOUTH SUDAN: Church Leaders in South Sudan Call for Humanitarian Support for Flood Victims
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following heavy rains in parts of South Sudan that has caused floods and displaced several people in the country, representatives from seven churches and associate churches in South Sudan have called on people of good will for support to flood affected communities in the country.
In a statement by South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) an ecumenical body which provides a platform to enhance the spirit of ecumenical cooperation towards collective action for peace, the church leaders have noted that the world’s youngest nation has been hit by five crises, namely the Covid-19, inter-communal conflict, severe flood insecurity, locusts and now the devastating floods.”
“The interplay of the five crises means that every new shock is having a tragic and disproportionate effect on vulnerable populations,” the Church officials said in their statement dated Friday, October 30, and signed by eight members including the representative of the Catholic Church Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin of Juba Archdiocese.
They explained further the impact of the floods in the country highlighting the number of victims so far affected saying, “700,000 highly vulnerable people have been displaced by the worst floods in sixty years which have destroyed food crops and livestock, and swept away or damaged houses, water points, pit latrines, and school shelters. Livelihoods have been destroyed and affected populations have been unable to access basic services.”
Besides the floods the Council members said, “On-going conflict and inter-communal violence coupled with Covid-19 restrictions have hampered aid efforts, flood affected areas have been inaccessible by road, and the cost of air transport is prohibitive.”
The body whose objective among others is to promote cooperation on the church’s call to mission locally, nationally and globally have in their Friday statement asked various benefactors for essential humanitarian assistance that would “cover water, sanitation, health and nutrition, shelter, protection, food security, livelihoods and psychosocial support.”
“We, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) leaders working within these communities, appeal for humanitarian assistance to be expedited to communities currently without humanitarian assistance. We call on the global ecumenical church, faith communities, international donors, private sector and friends and diaspora globally to support a scaled-up response within these communities.” the statement reads in part.
“We estimate Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (500’000 USD) is required to respond to the unmet needs of 100,000 people in the most affected States of Jonglei, Lakes, Upper Nile, Equatoria and Unity,” the Council members appealed.
The Church leaders disclosed their intent of collaboration to work with “members of ACT Alliance and Caritas Group’ within a humanitarian task force which supports a timely and appropriate response to humanitarian emergencies.”
They added, “Our long-standing partnership means these organizations can jointly deliver support to affected populations currently without assistance if adequate funds are available.”
