Three children have died of starvation in South Sudan amid fears of a worsening food crisis.

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Local authorities in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, announced the deaths of three children, aged between 2, 15 and 17, due to hunger in the Ofi area, amid declining rainfall and the impact on agricultural production during the current season.

Radio Community quoted the acting governor of Torit County, Eddie William Bonciano, as saying that the authorities had launched an urgent appeal to humanitarian partners, foremost among them the World Food Programme, to intervene immediately and provide food assistance, noting that other areas, including Hiala, were facing similar humanitarian situations.

Agricultural production declined

For her part, Dr. Anna Itwari Felix, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Eastern Equatoria State, explained that climate change and reduced rainfall have led to a decline in agricultural production, exacerbating the food security crisis in the state. She warned that the situation could deteriorate further unless urgent humanitarian assistance is provided, along with the adoption of more climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These developments come at a time when several regions in South Sudan are facing increasing food security challenges, amid calls to intensify the humanitarian response and provide support to the most affected communities.