June 17th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – At least 60% of South Sudan’s population is under the risk of starvation according to a UN report published Friday.
South Sudan, world’s youngest nation which gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 is populated by around 12.5 million people according to a 2017 UN estimate.
Since the beginning of the ongoing civil war in December 2013, many people have either fled their homes for neighboring countries or to seek protection in IDP camps manned by the United Nations mission in the country.
In a report released Friday, the UN said at least 7 million people across the country are facing severe food shortage despite the signing of the revitalized peace deal last year and the improved security situation.
The report said despite the improved security situation, many people remains displaced and are unable to return so that they can make their own living.
“The deteriorating situation is due to food shortages exacerbated by delayed rains, the economic crisis and years of tension that has killed nearly 400,000 people,” the report reads in part.
The report added that over 25 counties in the country are affected, with 21,000 people in Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile facing a greater risk of starvation.
