Kenya says food crisis in South Sudan to spark refugee exodus

Kenya said on Wednesday the deteriorating food insecurity situation in South Sudan is expected to increase the number of refugees entering regional countries.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the majority of the South Sudanese displaced have fled into the neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.

"With the loss of a whole planting season due to the violence, the consequent worsening of food insecurity situation in South Sudan is expected to increase the number of refugees entering neighboring countries," Mohamed said during the launch of 2015 Regional Response Plan for South Sudan Refugee Emergency in Nairobi.

The world's newest nation has experienced several bouts of violence over the past few months, including an incident in which the UN base in Bentiu came under fire, resulting in the wounding of one child.

According to UN figures, there are 1.4 million displaced people within the country, and another half a million taking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 97,000 people remain in compounds of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in very difficult conditions.

Mohamed thanked regional governments and the people of these countries for the exceptional and unconditional generosity they have extended to their brothers and sisters from south Sudan.

She said the slow movement and lack of comprehensive political deal in South Sudan similarly could lead to a continued inflow of refugees into neighboring countries, exerting new pressures that may further weaken the overall capacity of host communities to cater for the refugees.

"In Kenya, for example, the Kakuma refugee camp is now full, and there are still many more people seeking a place of refuge," Mohamed said. "This is a matter of great concern considering that we continue to receive a high number of refugees, the majority of whom are women and children, and people with disabilities."

According to Mohamed, it's estimated that 7 out of 10 refugees are children and 90 percent of refugee households are female- headed.

In Kenya, Mohamed said, children represent close to 70 percent of all new arrivals in Kakuma, while the number of unaccompanied and separated children represent over 15 percent of the incoming population.

"The humanitarian crisis we are facing cannot therefore be overemphasized. It involves thousands of people who are at very high risk of death due to exposure, diseases, severe food insecurity and malnutrition," she said.

The UN and partners have called for donor governments to fully support the UN's appeals for humanitarian work in South Sudan and the refugee crisis in neighboring countries. UN agencies have also called on all the government of South Sudan, the opposition and other armed groups, to immediately stop fighting and work towards a long-term, sustainable peace deal.

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