Turkish agency distributes food aid to 500 South Sudanese families return from Sudan

JUBA – The Türkiye Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), in coordination with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has donated relief food to 500 South Sudanese families who recently fled ongoing conflicts in neighboring Sudan.

The donation ceremony was held in Juba and was attended by Turkish Ambassador Erdem Mutaf and Onyoti Adigo Nyikuac, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock from the Chollo community.

“We supported 500 families living in this area,” he said.

The diplomat emphasized that Turkish government has mobilized resources to provide food aid to communities in various regions of South Sudan, including Central, Eastern, and Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Greater Bahra-el-Ghazal, Unity, and Upper Nile.

“Up to now, we have mobilized our resources to help communities in Central, Eastern, and Western Equatoria, and in Jonglei, Greater Bahra-el-Ghazal, Unity, and Upper Nile at different occasions. This support is a symbol of the Turkish nation’s sympathy and love to South Sudanese,” he added.

The Chollo community, which has historical ties with the Ottoman Empire dating back to the 19th century, was among the first groups to receive aid.

The community’s paramount chief, James Amun Aduk Bul, had appealed for assistance for returnees from Sudan, who were facing dire conditions.

Bernaba Isaac Aban Twinyal, the chief of the Chollo people in Greater Gudele, welcomed the Turkish support and expressed the urgent need for more assistance.

“Our people coming from the Sudan are very vulnerable; they need food and other non-food items. These people are not engaged in any agriculture activity since there is no place for them to cultivate here,” he said.

Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Onyoti Adigo Nyikec expressed gratitude to the Turkish people and government for their support to the Chollo community. He highlighted the vulnerability of the returnees and the importance of food aid.

“They are really vulnerable people, they came from Sudan, and they were really suffering, but with the help of Turkey I think these people will be able to have something to eat,” he said.

Adigo also called for continued support and opportunities for cultural exchange between the youth of Chollo and Turkey. He added, “The relationship between the Kingdom of Chollo and Turkey is going back to the 1680s.”