The Catholic Bishop of Malakal Diocese, Stephen Nyodho Ador said the humanitarian situation in Malakal is dire, despite the intervention by the Catholic Church.
Speaking to the media in Juba, the Catholic Prelate said after the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, many people have been forced to flee and seek refuge in the area.
Bishop Ador stated that when the returnees and refugees entered the country, they were stationed at Renk and needed to be transported to their states of origin.
The national government airlifted some people and the Catholic Church of Malakal Diocese also responded by sending a cargo boat with a capacity of up to 900 passengers but the situation remained alarming
“From the beginning, many people wanted to go to their states but transportation was difficult, the Diocese of Malakal responded by sending a cargo boat but the situation till now is still dire.” Bishop Ador explained.
According to Bishop Nyodho, at least five children died on the way as they were being transported to their destination due to a long journey that took almost three days.
The Malakal prelate calls on the South Sudan Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to look into the situation of Malakal.
Bishop Stephen Nyodho said the State Government of Upper Nile is finding it difficult to respond to the humanitarian crisis due to a lack of support from the national government.
Ador said, “We call upon the ministry of humanitarian affairs in the country to look specifically into the issue of Malakal because the government of Upper Nile is finding it difficult to address the situation.”
Bishop Stephen said that the Catholic Diocese of Malakal is in trouble as they are running out of funds and the number of people fleeing Sudan continue to increase.
Much as it is not enough, the Catholic bishop appreciated the support rendered by the humanitarian organizations that joined the Catholic Diocese of Malakal in providing support to the people.
Malakal has been one of the areas affected badly by numerous factors including subnational conflicts, floods, and the influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan.