The United Nations needs $200 million “right now” to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in the soon-to-be independent state of Southern Sudan, according to the global body’s top humanitarian official in the area.
In a recent interview with Reuters, Lise Grande said at least half a million were “on the move” in Southern Sudan, including 300,000 who had returned and more than 200,000 who had fled the violence.
Currently, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army is in the middle of fighting at least seven rebel militias, which have been laying land mines. Meanwhile, tribal hostilities break out periodically over resources.
“It really is a race against time at this stage because with the rainy season at its height, in probably less than two weeks large parts of the south will be inaccessible so we need to do it right now,” Grande said. “We can’t wait.”
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