Leaders from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank observed the severe humanitarian crisis in South Sudan exacerbated by war and USAID funding cuts. The civil conflict has created widespread hunger and displacement, significantly impacting civilians. USAID’s recent budget cuts resulted in the closure of essential health services and educational programs. The CFB continues to provide critical food assistance, supported by a new $4 million Canadian government investment.
In South Sudan, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB) leaders witnessed the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by war, famine, and funding cuts. Executive Director Andy Harrington and Senior Humanitarian Manager Stefan Epp-Koop observed significant devastation, particularly due to recent funding cuts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which jeopardized essential services like food, water, medical care, and shelter.
Historically, Sudan and South Sudan were one nation until South Sudan’s secession in 2011. Since the civil war began in April 2023, the conflict has severely impacted civilians, with 26 million experiencing hunger and 11 million being internally displaced within Sudan. Epp-Koop emphasizes the horror of the situation, noting that many flee on foot with little but the clothes on their backs to escape violence and conscription efforts targeting their children.
The repercussions of the conflict are gravely felt by civilians, who struggle to find food and face displacement from homes and communities. Due to recent USAID funding cuts, health care facilities and nutrition centers have shut down, and many programs aiding refugees have been diminished. Tens of thousands of children are not attending school due to funding shortages and school closures.
Epp-Koop points out the minimal impact of USAID’s budget on the overall American financial plan, stating, “In the big picture, all of their international assistance amounted to less than 1% of their overall budget.” He argues that this small investment had a while-back significant return on lives saved, revealing the tragic irony of budgetary decisions harming vulnerable populations.
The CFB continues to operate critical projects in Sudan and South Sudan, focusing on providing food assistance and fostering long-term food security for affected communities. Recently, they announced a significant investment from the Canadian government, totaling $4 million, to support humanitarian needs in Sudan, funding essential projects in the hardest-hit regions.
Epp-Koop affirms the CFB’s dual approach of providing immediate assistance while also paving the way for a sustainable future, ensuring that communities can break the cycle of dependency on food assistance.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank highlights the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and Sudan, driven by extended conflict and recent funding cuts by USAID. These reductions threaten vital humanitarian aid, leading to increased hunger, education disruption, and deteriorating health services. Despite these challenges, initiatives supported by the Canadian government aim to mitigate the crisis and improve food security, while also promoting sustainable futures for affected communities.
Original Source: discoverwestman.com
