8th February 2025
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German envoy, relief officials visit Upper Nile, Unity to assess humanitarian situation

Author: Chany Ninrew | Published: February 5, 2025

Delegation of relief donors meet Upper Nile state authorities. February 4, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy).

A delegation of United Nations and relief donors including the German Ambassador to South Sudan visited refugee-hosting states of Upper Nile and Unity on Tuesday to assess ways to respond to growing humanitarian needs of people displaced by the war in Sudan.

This followed President Donald Trump’s executive orders that dramatically affected projects funded by the United States across the world, including in South Sudan.

A statement from the Upper Nile authorities said the delegation, which included German Ambassador Christian Sedat and representatives from various UN and international organizations, met with Governor James Odhok in Malakal.

They discussed gaps and challenges resulting from the pause in humanitarian aid.

Germany, being the second-largest donor of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan, reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the government in supporting relief initiatives.

The U.S. government has been the largest single global humanitarian funder and largest donor to UN agencies. In 2024, the total U.S. assistance to provide relief in South Sudan for people in need and those fleeing the conflict in Sudan was over $640 million.

But Washington’s recent pause on foreign aid has substantially impacted more than 4,000 returnees currently residing at the Renk Transit Centre, raising concerns about their immediate welfare and access to essential services.

The situation has already affected normal operations of some UN agencies facilitating transportation of South Sudanese returnees from Upper Nile to different parts of the Country, according to government sources in the state.

An IOM’s representative among the delegation, said the agency has temporarily halted some of its activities in the State awaiting further directives, the statement added.

While in Unity State, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, acknowledged the worsening humanitarian situation caused by flooding, conflict and the influx of refugees.

“We know this state has also received people who have crossed from Sudan, but more importantly, it was to hear from him and to brief the delegation so that they can be a mouthpiece for South Sudan when they go back to their countries,” Ms. Gbeho said.

“We know that the situation is difficult. Unity State is plagued by flooding, they have to deal with displacement, they have an IDPs camp with hundreds of thousands of individuals who need support on daily basis.”

On her part, Amb. Deike Potzel, Director for Crisis Prevention at the German Embassy, pledged her country’s enduring support to alleviate humanitarian crisis in the country. Amb. Deike underscored that last year alone, Germany provided 60 million U.S. dollars for humanitarian response in South Sudan.

“It is also a great opportunity to underline our support for South Sudanese people. We have been very steadfast in our support.”

“I want to assure you that we will continue to support the humanitarian response here. But this visit is also an opportunity to thank the governor and the people of the state for welcoming refugees coming in from Sudan.”

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