The US is increasing humanitarian aid to South Sudan by $100 million to provide additional food for about one million people.
The assistance, which will provide nearly 42,000 metric tons of food, brings aid this fiscal year to almost $609 million, the US embassy in the capital, Juba, said in an emailed statement.
“Ending humanitarian crisis in South Sudan requires urgent action,” it said.
More than 7 million people in South Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. In addition, almost 780,000 people have fled from Sudan to South Sudan since the escalation of conflict in April last year.
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“South Sudan is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for humanitarian aid workers. The transitional government must also address the unacceptably high safety and security risks faced by UN agencies, NGO partners, and local communities,” the statement said.
“Peace is a critical element in preventing increased humanitarian crisis. The Embassy welcomes the Tumaini Initiative talks in Nairobi and urges all signatories to the 2018 peace agreement as well as non-signatories to take advantage of this opportunity to advance peace.”
The mission also said that it is essential that interparty direct talks take place at the leadership level in Juba as well.
