South Sudan’s displaced face continued hardship, US envoy says

JUBA – The United States Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, concluded his visit to Malakal, Upper Nile State, on December 14^th, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by internally displaced civilians.

“On December 14 Ambassador Michael Adler visited Malakal in Upper Nile State where he heard first-hand from people about the challenges they face,” the US embassy stated in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

Ambassador Adler’s visit focused on assessing the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and gaining insight into UN peacekeeping operations in the state.

He was accompanied by personnel from the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Organizations Office of Peacekeeping Operations.

Adler acknowledged the significant hardship endured by IDPs, particularly those affected by earlier intercommunal violence at the Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site and ongoing conflict in Sudan.

“Intercommunal violence in the Malakal protection of civilians site this year led to the relocation of thousands of people and tremendous hardship,” the statement highlighted.

South Sudan continues to grapple with the displacement of over two million people internally, while the influx of refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Sudan is expected to reach 500,000 by year’s end.

The US government has provided over $100 million in assistance to displaced populations in 2023 alone, bringing the total US aid to South Sudan to more than $550 million for this fiscal year. Additionally, the US contributes over $300 million annually to UN peacekeeping operations in the country.

Amidst global pressure on humanitarian resources, the US embassy reiterates its call for the South Sudanese government to contribute to addressing the critical needs of its citizens.

“Amid increasing global demand for humanitarian assistance and shrinking donor resources, it is imperative that the transitional government ensures public revenue is used to meet the humanitarian needs of all its people, including displaced persons nationwide,” the statement concluded.