An estimated seven million South Sudanese are at risk of severe food insecurity this year, with the UN Security Council now warning that the deteriorating humanitarian situation and continuing violence could result in famine at the beginning of 2015.
Access to remote areas
Christian Aid's local partners are struggling in a battle against time to access remote areas of the country where people are most in need before the rainy season arrives in late March or early April.
‘The time to act is right now – if we wait until after the rainy season it will be too late.' Warns Amos Nderi, Christian Aid's South Sudan country manager.
‘Once the rains arrive, two thirds of the country will be cut off so we urgently need to pre-position food and essential items. However, the on-going violence continues to impede humanitarian access and worsen civilian suffering’.
Background: violence in South Sudan
Over 700,000 people have been displaced inside South Sudan. Forced from their homes amid escalating violence since 15 December. The UN estimates that considerably more than 10,000 have been killed.
Approximately 75,000 people have taken refuge in UN compounds across the country as six out of 10 states are affected.
Political tensions
Political tensions have been building for many months in South Sudan since President Salva Kiir – leader of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM) - dismissed the entire cabinet in July this year.
Despite the signing of a Cessation of Hostilities agreement on 23 of January this year, violent clashes between the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army (SPLA) and opposition forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have continued unabated.
A call for peace
In an open letter from the South Sudan Council of Churches, religious leaders - including Archbishop Daniel Deng, who is chairman of the Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR) - called for calm.
‘There is a political problem between leaders within the SPLM [but] this should not be turned into an ethnic problem.
'Sadly, on the ground it is developing into tribalism. This must be diffused urgently before it spreads.’
The Archbishop of Canterbury has also appealed to South Sudanese leaders to lay down their weapons.
Christian Aid’s response
Our partners are responding and adapting to the changing situation. Where possible we are supplying food, essential drugs and medical supplies. We are also coordinating with our ACT Alliance partners.