The humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war in Sudan, which has now been going on for a year, has prompted the development cooperation organisation Misereor to warn of an impending worsening of the various crises in East Africa. Neighbouring countries such as South Sudan have been struggling for years with long-standing hunger crises and social conflicts. Supplying more than eight million people who have fled or been displaced by the fighting in Sudan is putting additional pressure on these neighbouring countries. This is why Misereor is mobilising additional financial resources to support partner organisations in South Sudan in caring for refugees and to promote innovative approaches.

Due to the war situation, the Comboni College of Science and Technology had to interrupt its academic year. A new, digital course programme has now enabled it to resume. Students who have fled to neighbouring countries can now take part online. The implementation of the Bachelor's degree programme in Nursing is particularly challenging for the project partner, as the curriculum includes many practical exercises. "The interruption of academic activities has forced many young people to join one of the fighting armies, as there was no alternative for their future," reports Father Jorge Naranjo, Director of Comboni College and Misereor project partner, from Port Sudan. "Continuing their studies gives them a glimmer of hope and a constructive alternative for building a more peaceful future for the country." At the same time, the need for immediate healthcare is essential in this situation. "With a nursing clinic here, we are making an important contribution to the care of the local community," continues Naranjo.

Refugee camps in South Sudan: basic care is already lacking

Despite innovative approaches and the great commitment of the people, the civilian population is suffering from violence and a lack of humanitarian support. In neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, the lack of goods from Sudan is leading to sharp price increases and hyper-inflation. Even before the crisis in Sudan, the proportion of the population at risk of hunger was estimated at over seven million people; according to UN figures, this figure has now risen to nine million.

Misereor's project partners, particularly in the northern parts of the country, are helping people to arrive in so-called transit camps. They provide them with food until they can continue their journey. Those who remain in the region also receive a small amount of support in the form of agricultural equipment and seeds to enable them to make a living on their own again. In this way, the aid complements the UN's measures.

Katharina Götte, Misereor country officer for the region, recently visited partner organisations in South Sudan that are caring for some of the refugees: "The humanitarian and economic situation of the people in Sudan and South Sudan is deteriorating rapidly. Many of our partners are worried that this will also exacerbate the hunger crisis in South Sudan and lead to new conflicts. They do not know how to tackle the great need both inside and outside the camps. This must now be tackled together - also with additional financial resources that we are making available."

Misereor is asking for donations to support the people in Sudan and South Sudan who are threatened by hunger and various crises:

Keyword: Emergency aid Sudan

Donation account: DE 75 3706 0193 0000 101010

Bank: Pax Bank Aachen