“A man-made crisis we cannot ignore”

For the first time in four years, a Norwegian minister visits South Sudan. Renewed fighting has led to a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation. Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust is calling on the country’s leaders to engage in dialogue. 

“What we are now witnessing in South Sudan is deeply alarming. The population is affected by increasing violence, displacement and humanitarian suffering. Out of a population of 13 million, more than 10 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The responsibility for this lies with the country’s leaders. There is an urgent need to reverse this development,” said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust. 

During his visit, Minister Aukrust travelled to the border town of Renk, between Sudan and South Sudan. Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, more than 900.000 people have crossed the border into Renk, the majority of them women and children. 

“It is deeply moving to hear the stories of these people and what they have endured because of the war. On 15 April, the war in Sudan will have lasted for three years, and for these people, every day counts in terms of bringing it to an end.” 

Over the past year, conflict between the parties to South Sudan’s peace agreement has also forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee within the country. Escalating violence and intense fighting are deeply concerning in a region already affected by the war in neighbouring Sudan and multiple overlapping crises. 

“What we are seeing is a man-made crisis, causing immense suffering for millions of people. We cannot ignore this. That is why I am here to engage with the political leadership,” said Aukrust. 

In his meetings, Minister Aukrust emphasised the need to respect international humanitarian law, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and urged a return to dialogue. 

“South Sudan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be an aid worker. Attacks on hospitals and humanitarian personnel are violations of international law and are completely unacceptable. 

“The violence must stop, civilians must be protected, and the parties must return to dialogue. Measures that exclude key parties to the peace agreement undermine the prospects for lasting peace. We urge leaders to engage in the ongoing peace initiatives led by the region”, said Aukrust. 

Norway is a key humanitarian partner in South Sudan. Norway will continue to assist people in need, while also holding those responsible for the deteriorating situation to account.