The UN has warned of a looming famine in South Sudan's Upper Nile region.

On Thursday (12 June), the United Nations issued a warning that parts of South Sudan’s Upper Nile region are on the brink of famine due to ongoing conflict between government forces and armed militias.

Eleven of the state’s thirteen counties are currently experiencing emergency-level hunger. An estimated 32,000 people are already experiencing “catastrophic” food shortages. Across South Sudan, around 57% of the population of 11.5 million is acutely food insecure.  Conflict lies at the heart of the crisis. Fighting has destroyed homes, disrupted farming and markets, and blocked aid deliveries, particularly in Nasir County, which is a stronghold for anti-government militias.

The UN agencies behind the warning — the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — say famine is likely unless humanitarian access is expanded immediately to deliver food to those in need.

Source: commonspace.eu with Africanews and other agencies.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday 1 October ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, saying it was their “last opportunity” and that anyone who stayed would be considered a terrorist or militant supporter and face the “full force” of Israel’s latest offensive. At least 21 Palestinians were killed across the territory, according to local hospitals, as Hamas weighed a new proposal form US President Donald Trump  aimed at ending the war and returning the remaining captives taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. A senior Hamas official told AP that there are some points in the proposal that are unacceptable and must be amended, without elaborating. He said the official response will only come after consultations with other Palestinian factions.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel orders all Palestinians out of Gaza as Hamas official says Trump plan must be amended

Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday 1 October ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, saying it was their “last opportunity” and that anyone who stayed would be considered a terrorist or militant supporter and face the “full force” of Israel’s latest offensive. At least 21 Palestinians were killed across the territory, according to local hospitals, as Hamas weighed a new proposal form US President Donald Trump  aimed at ending the war and returning the remaining captives taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. A senior Hamas official told AP that there are some points in the proposal that are unacceptable and must be amended, without elaborating. He said the official response will only come after consultations with other Palestinian factions.