Torit authorities sound alarm of looming hunger

Photo: Governor Tobiolo Alberio Oromo

South Sudan’s Torit State governor says hunger is looming in the state after poor harvests were recorded this season.

South Sudan’s Torit State governor says hunger is looming in the state after poor harvests were recorded this season.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Governor Tobiolo Alberio Oromo said the recent harvests may only sustain the local population and returnees for the next three months.  

“The assessment results show that the harvest is so poor. Our people will be again facing starvation next year. In this one, we urge our partners especially humanitarian agencies to be ready for next year. The massive numbers of returnees who are now returning from Uganda are also in need of food,’’ he said.

While calling for more food aid for the anticipated food gap next year, Alberio faulted humanitarian agencies for failing to respond to the emergency situation of returnees who were in dire need of food.

“Thousands of returnees have come but nobody from the humanitarian agencies was able to respond with emergency food. They are only carrying out assessment, and this assessment will materialize up to next year,’’ he added.

The governor further said returnees need urgent aid as they struggle to resettle.

“We need emergency food to be given to the returnees from Ayaci County and also the returnees who have entered voluntarily in to counties especially that one of Pogee that includes shelters. So that is a serious issue that is the question that they are asking. That now they are willing to come, now how are they going to start,’’ he added.

Alberio noted that a hastened resettlement program for returnees will be essential as it will ensure that the returnees engage in agriculture in the coming planting season boosting food security.