The Joda border crossing sees thousands fleeing violence in Sudan into South Sudan daily. Many are women and children seeking safety from the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Hospitals in Renk County are facing an influx of patients, including newborns born under dire conditions. International aid is crucial for continued support for these communities.
At the Joda border crossing, situated between Sudan and South Sudan, there is a continuous flow of individuals fleeing violence. The distance between the two borders is merely 100 meters, where flags on the Sudanese side greet newcomers and signs in both Arabic and English welcome them to South Sudan. Families arrive carrying their children and personal belongings, with some bringing furniture and essentials, navigating towards safety from the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Hamed Attaher, a 26-year-old technology student, expresses relief upon reaching South Sudan. He notes, “Today, I feel like I am in a safe place,” as he travels towards Juba to reunite with his aunt. Since April 2023, over 12.5 million people in Sudan have been displaced due to the war, and thousands are crossing into South Sudan daily to escape the violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The International Organization for Migration categorizes arrivals at the border as either refugees or returnees. The latter refers to individuals returning to their homeland after fleeing from the civil war that erupted in 2013. Humanitarian workers express a sense of unity between the South Sudanese and refugees, referring to them collectively based on their common cultural ties.
In the reception area, tents provided by the UNHCR offer shade, while emergency food supplies, such as BP-5, are available for those awaiting further travel. The IOM facilitates medical care, categorizing patients based on urgency, with Médecins Sans Frontiers attending to the most critical cases. A recent evacuation of a severely underweight infant highlights the dire health conditions faced by some arrivals.
Others opt for informal settlements along the route where communities are rapidly forming. These settlements have emerged along the road between Joda and Renk, complete with small businesses and improvised shelters. Attaher boards a truck bound for his next destination, hoping to resume his journey with a sense of purpose and optimism.
In Renk County hospital, the situation is equally dire as newborns await care in an overwhelmed pediatric unit. Bakhita, a mother whose twins were born prematurely in an informal settlement, expresses gratitude that her children were born in South Sudan. This influx has brought approximately 110,000 refugees to Renk County, where many face shortages of food and essential resources.
Dr. Atem Deng Ajak confirms that they provide care for both Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees at the hospital. Many families, like Amna’s from Sennar, describe harrowing journeys, often spanning weeks, to find safety amid conflict. Humanitarian workers tirelessly provide psychological support to cope with traumas faced in war.
Despite ongoing struggles, dedicated personnel continue to assist those in need. The majority of South Sudan’s humanitarian support relies on USAID, which has been adversely affected by funding suspensions. The commitment of medical staff to nurture vulnerable populations, such as the twins in the hospital, remains unwavering, driven by compassion and a sense of duty.
In summary, thousands are fleeing violence in Sudan, crossing into South Sudan at the Joda border crossing. The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan intensifies as refugees and returnees seek safety and support. Hospitals struggle to care for the influx of patients, particularly vulnerable infants. As humanitarian workers strive to offer aid, reliance on international support remains critical amid ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
