Influx of returnees to South Sudan huge challenge for Africa's newest country

Awvoi (10) and Ajok (6), who along with their families have recently arrived in Jonglei State, South Sudan, after spending more than a month travelling back from the North.

The massive influx of returnees to South Sudan poses enormous challenges for the newest African nation.

"One of the biggest challenges we must deal with now is the influx of returnees, most of whom had moved to the North during more than a decade of political turmoil in South Sudan," says our Disaster Response Manager, Rohan Kent.

Rohan was in South Sudan for most of January helping Plan staff prepare for the outcome of the elections.

He says the huge number of returnees, estimated at between 850,000 and 1.5 million, is expected to cause dramatic shortages of food, shelter, water, health care and sanitation. There are also fears that 2.7 million people could suffer food shortages.

"People are starting to feel the pinch as social services are failing to cope with the influx," Mr Kent said. "More schools, health services and food are needed for the returnees."

He said access to affordable food is proving difficult for returnees and the rest of the South Sudanese population. As demand for resources increases, the price of basic commodities such as flour, sugar, beans and rice has risen sharply, especially in the border areas.

With other organisations we are monitoring the situation in case emergency food aid is needed in the coming weeks and months.

Find out more about Plan's work in South Sudan.

To speak to Rohan Kent, contact:

David Cook
Media Officer
Mobile: 0448 816 900
Email: david.cook@plan.org.au