Gambela, 3 Sept 2023; South Sudanese refugees living in Gambella, Ethiopia, are in a dire and precarious humanitarian situation as they struggle with starvation. Many South Sudanese refugees who fled the country from the beginning of the civil war in 2013, expressed to this publication their discontentment over the cutting of food ratio by the UN World Food Program. 

Some family members revealed to this publication that despite the efforts made by the world body (UN), the African Union, and the host country, the situation remains critical. 

A group of women told SSLN that people have resorted to feeding their children by cooking grass and other wild leaves, they further claimed that many family members have died after trying to survive by eating rough leaves and grass. 

Local reports indicate that women and children have been forced to eat grass and wild leaves as sources of food due to the lack of food aid. The UN's inability to distribute food aid has left the refugees desperate, unbearable, and deplorable situation. 

 
The ongoing crisis could potentially be averted if the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international partners take action to hold the South Sudanese government, led by President Salva Kiir, accountable. The refugees are living in fear and uncertainty, unwilling to return to their home country even after three years of peace negotiations brokered by IGAD and the Troika. 

As the situation continues to worsen, urgent international intervention is needed to address the dire circumstances faced by these vulnerable refugees and prevent further loss of life. 

While Juba seems to be less concerned about the well-being of its citizens, the regime in Juba is bracing for elections without the participation of its citizens. 

According to the UN, approximately three million South Sudanese refugees fled the country since the onset of civil war in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and unknown numbers were displaced within the country, The UN Nations figure indicates that 400.000 were killed while the actual number could be twice or three times higher. 

Simon K. Peter

SSLN