Over the past 10 months, a staggering number of people have sought refuge in Renk, a South Sudanese town Capturing near the Sudanese border, escaping the ravages of the civil war in Sudan. Since April 2023, more than 541,000 individuals have arrived, with December witnessing the highest monthly influx of 71,757, as reported by United Nations agencies.
Among the displaced, 18% are Sudanese, while 81% are South Sudanese, likely returning after fleeing the civil war in their own country between 2013 and 2020. The conflict in Sudan, marked by clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army, has compelled these individuals to seek safety in Renk.
The conditions in Renk are dire, with overcrowded refugee camps and inadequate sanitation facilities. The transit center, initially designed for 4,000 people, now accommodates over 23,000. Each latrine is shared by 200 people, leading to heightened risks of cholera, measles, and severe malnutrition.
Aid agencies are grappling to meet the urgent needs of exhausted and traumatized families who endured days of walking with minimal food and water. Insufficient food and clean water exacerbate the challenges even after reaching the transit center, prompting a desperate call for more shelter, medicine, and basic supplies.
One poignant story is that of Nyasebit, a 13-year-old who guided her younger brothers from Khartoum to Renk after her mother fell victim to armed clashes. Their harrowing seven-day journey underscores the hardships faced by many. Unaccompanied children and adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, facing a high risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The influx into Renk continues to surpass departures, with many aiming to reach Juba or refugee camps in Maban, a 10-hour bus journey away. Over 20,000 people have sought refuge in Maban in recent months, raising concerns about available health services. Relief International, the primary provider, warns of high infection rates from malaria and measles, stressing the urgent need for additional vaccines and medical support.
Dewi Osman’s story adds a personal dimension, highlighting the dangers faced during the journey. Separated from his family, Osman, having fled Sudan, is now reuniting with them in Maban, where they receive essential medical and nutritional support from Relief International. The narratives collectively underscore the pressing humanitarian crisis and the immediate need for comprehensive aid and resources to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by conflict.
