China donates over 3,000-tonne relief food to South Sudan

JUBA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday donated more than 3,000 metric tonnes of wheat and rice to assist vulnerable populations affected by recurring droughts, floods and conflict in South Sudan.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Albino Akol Atak, South Sudan's minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, said the donation comes at a critical time as the country faces multiple overlapping humanitarian crises.

Recurrent floods and droughts affect more than one million South Sudanese each year, severely undermining the country's food security, he noted, adding that the humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, which has forced more than 1.4 million refugees and returnees into South Sudan.

"In addition, hundreds of thousands of our citizens have been affected by internal conflict, particularly in eastern Jonglei in recent months. These challenges are further compounded by economic hardship that continues to affect vulnerable households across the country," he said.

William Chan Achuil, undersecretary at the South Sudanese Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the food aid will significantly strengthen food security for key groups, including returnees, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and vulnerable households nationwide.

He said the donation reflects the strong partnership between the two countries and highlights China's commitment to supporting humanitarian assistance and food security efforts in the world's youngest country.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang noted that the Chinese embassy, in coordination with the South Sudanese government, distributed three batches of relief supplies during the first half of the year.

He said the fourth batch of food aid marks an important step in implementing the 10 partnership actions announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and reflects China's ongoing commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity.