Sudan Calls Influx of South Sudanese Refugees an Emergency

The Sudanese government have announced that they are facing an ‘emergency’ as more and more people of South Sudan flee the country to find refuge in Sudan.

Amidst a devastating civil war, famine and disease, thousands of South Sudanese are fleeing their country in hopes of a better life.

A top Sudan government official has said that there are about 1500 people entering Sudan from South Sudan every day and that the influx in refugees has caused various problems for the country.

“We are in an emergency-like situation… and until now we have not received any donations except to meet some existential need [sic],” the government official said.

A representative of the United Nations’ refugee agency has echoed the thoughts of the Sudan government, saying that they expect close to 180 000 South Sudanese people to move to Sudan by the end of the year.

The UN also said that the influx of refugees in the country shows exactly how bad it is in South Sudan.

“The number is only increasing day by day… The increase in numbers show that the situation in South Sudan is bad,” the UN said in a statement.

The UN and other humanitarian agencies have condemned the government of South Sudan, saying that the devastating famine the country is facing is man made, due to the hostile political situation and the ongoing fighting between government forces and the opposition.

Since 2013, it is estimated that 365 000 South Sudanese have fled to Sudan – most of the people being women and children.