News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

South-Sudan-Famine-Feb2017-main_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

Bishop calls for urgent humanitarian assistance in famine hit South Sudan

Speaking to the charity Tearfund, Bishop of Twic East, Rt Rev Ezekiel Diing Ajang Malangdit, said there was an urgent need to help feed those facing starvation.

He said: "Hunger is the number one issue. People are very hungry but they do not want to leave their homes. There are also other problems such as water and sanitation. Children are dehydrated, women are dying, there is no medication for pregnant women and new mothers who are still breastfeeding."

Tom Price/Tearfund

Rt Rev Ezekiel Diing Ajang Malangdit

South Sudan has been embroiled in civil war for over three years. The conflict is driving the devastating famine that is threatening millions with starvation, according to the UN.

The war has displaced more than 3.5 million South Sudanese people. It is estimated that at least 4.9 million are going hungry in the country.

"There is not enough food now," Rev Ezekiel said, "People are hungry. So we need urgent support now, especially for people who have been internally displaced. There is an urgent need for relief.

"It is important to strengthen people and give them the knowledge to do things by themselves so that they can support themselves instead of relying on other people.
 
"Empowerment of the community and empowerment of the Church is important."

AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File

Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan and Yemen, Somalia and parts of North East Nigeria have been ranked as "at risk" for famine if significant humanitarian assistance is not urgently offered.

With 20 million people facing starvation across the region, UN officials have warned that the world faces the worst humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War.

On Sunday, the UN reported that six aid workers were ambushed and killed in South Sudan.

At least 12 aid workers have been killed so far this year and 79 have been killed since the civil war began.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate