Yakani describes suspension of food aid to South Sudan as ‘shocking’

JUBA – A prominent South Sudanese activist has described the suspension of food assistance to the war-torn east African country by World Food Programme (WFP) as shocking moment for those in need.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) also called on the government to make consideration regarding its fiscal budget.

“Community Empowerment for Progress Organization described the suspension of WFP food assistance to South Sudan as shocking moment for the population that requires food assistance due to the limitation in agriculture production because of the floods, deadly inter-communal violence and local drought,” Yakani said in the statement.

“This movement requires quick shift in designing of national budget for the financial year 2022-2023 by the national legislature. The food gap created by the WFP suspension of food assistance will directly impact negatively the population depending on WFP food assistance,” he stressed.

The outspoken activist added that “Time has come for the government to invest funds on agriculture and especially financing the implementation of the developed Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan. It will be double shock if the government failed to inject the national revenue from oil and non-oil sources.”

He said the “continuation armed deadly inter-communal violence, armed road bandits including the expected more floods due to the expected heavy rainfalls food insecurity is very eminent.

“Food insecurity immediately will lead to increase human insecurity and visa-vas. Moment of encourage communities to avoid or abolish armed deadly inter-communal violence that may lead to massive food insecurity is now not tomorrow.

“CEPO is urging the government to take serious the statement made recently dated 13th June, 2022 by the national minister of finance and planning quoted as “let’s prioritize agriculture to halt foreign dependence”. The government have to redirect funds to agriculture and community safety more than directing funds for political and security events that has impact on the communities livelihoods

“Finally, CEPO will be waging food security campaign to increase public advocacy on the importance of focusing on agriculture. The campaign will be “Reduce insecurity for food security” under the theme “food for peace”. The campaign will be launch in Yei on the 10th July, 2022.”