UN Warns Summer Drought Could Worsen Hunger in South Sudan

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that unusually high temperatures and reduced rainfall predicted for South Sudan between June and September could significantly worsen the country's existing food insecurity. South Sudan is already grappling with one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted in a statement that South Sudan remains among the four countries of greatest global concern for acute food insecurity. This dire situation is exacerbated by ongoing political and armed conflict, a declining national economy, and the escalating impacts of climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

The upcoming three months are typically the rainy season in South Sudan. However, OCHA anticipates a reduction in precipitation, potentially leading to droughts in key areas of Central Equatoria, Jonglei, and Upper Nile states. This forecast jeopardizes agricultural and livestock production, as well as essential water supplies.

OCHA also reported that approximately 1,500 people have already fled Kapoeta in southeastern South Sudan for neighboring Kenya due to water scarcity and deteriorating living conditions. This displacement could be the precursor to a larger wave of migration if drought conditions intensify. The worsening climate outlook coincides with a period of increased humanitarian needs in regions affected by armed conflict, such as Jonglei state, where 86,400 displaced individuals recently returned facing shortages of water, food, and medical care.

Furthermore, an OCHA analysis of 13,401 children in Jonglei state identified 2,308 cases of severe acute malnutrition and 4,487 cases of moderate acute malnutrition. The destruction of hydraulic infrastructure in the area is cited as a primary cause for the deteriorating living conditions. The UN agency also criticized the worsening working conditions for aid agencies in the country, noting that at least 24 humanitarian workers have lost their lives since January, including contractors.