Standing proud in South Sudan
The world’s newest country was set to be celebrating its sixth year of existence today (Sunday 9 July) but, crippled by the crisis, the country has declared it is not officially marking its independence anniversary.
Cynthia, 58, lost family members during conflict in Kajo Keji, in the south of the country. She fled the area in search of safety and a kind neighbour helped her to make the journey to the capital in February this year.
‘I am still proud to be South Sudanese despite everything I have gone through and having to flee to Juba.’
Half the population of South Sudan face severe hunger; thousands appear at feeding centres every day. But far from being images of bedraggled people bent under the weight of malnutrition and conflict — many of the citizens of the world’s youngest country are standing proud in the midst of crisis.
Tearfund spoke to South Sudanese people about how their sense of national identity helps them to stand tall despite their trials. A guest preacher at an Africa Inland Church in Juba, who also works for the UN, said he was proud to be South Sudanese because he believes circumstances do not dictate the value of a country. He said:
‘Despite what I see with my eyes, despite what I hear with my ears, despite what I feel, I know South Sudan is good.’
The food crisis and ongoing conflict have seen 1.9 million people flee the country since December 2013, with those left behind pushed to the brink of survival, living on what they can find to eat in swamps and wild plants in the bush. The dire situation has also been exacerbated by the conflict tearing through the East African country, forcing nearly two million people to leave their homes and try to find safety elsewhere within the country’s borders.
Though South Sudan was recently officially declared as no longer in famine following an increase in aid, it now faces the trial of a deadly cholera outbreak — with 2,500 cases declared since April.
Charities, including Tearfund, are urgently trying to help as six million people face extreme hunger. We’re partnering with Africa Inland Church (AIC) to distribute food. Through the AIC we’ve organised life-saving distributions in places like Konyo Konyo camp for Internally Displaced People, handing out provisions including sacks of maize flour, bottles of oil, bags of beans and salt.
People from cities and villages across the East African nation spoke to Tearfund about their reasons to be proud of being South Sudanese even as the young country faces immense turbulence.
Angelina, 21, holding her 18-month-old son Jumma
‘I was born in South Sudan and that makes me proud. God chose for me to be born here.’
Edmond is blind and cannot work as he relies on being led by someone else at all times. He cannot remember his age but comes from Mundri in the south of the country.
‘I am South Sudanese and I am a grateful person, regardless of what happens. I am thankful to the church for providing food in July. I’m hoping for more support, but I will still be thankful if it doesn’t come.’
Talitha, 54, travelled 1900 km from Khartoum in Sudan to return to her place of birth in South Sudan.
‘After independence in 2011, I was so proud to be repatriated back to South Sudan as this is my home country.’
Octogenarian Millicent, from Eastern Equatoria, said her connection to her country was about people rather than geography.
‘I am proud to be born South Sudanese because I have grown crops here — such as sorghum — and I also brought up my children here.’
Mabior had lost his spouse and left his home in Eastern Equatoria to get to the capital but remained proud of his country.
‘I am proud to be South Sudanese but because of the conflict, life is now very difficult.’
Tabia, who is from Juba, explained she is proud to be South Sudanese because her faith gives her hope for her country.
‘I have hope in God and encouragement from the church. I am very thankful for the food support I am receiving through Tearfund’s partner so now I can cook some food.’
Achuil, 65, comes from a town called Torit, near the capital, which has a population of approximately 33,000. He said he felt proud to come back to his hometown from Sudan.
‘I returned from Khartoum after independence in 2011 and am proud to be back in my homeland of Torit.’
Photos: Tom Price. Interviews: Andrew Horton. Edited by Rehema Figueiredo
Find out more about Tearfund’s East Africa Crisis Appeal.
