crs_so_sudan_160.jpg

crs_so_sudan_160.jpg July 28, 2015

August 28, 2014 – Bor County (Panweel Village – Kolnyang Payam), South Sudan – Deborah Atong Ajang, 35, (gold headwrap) and other beneficiaries unload sorghum and yellow split peas from a truck. Thousands of South Sudanese became internally displaced refugees in Jonglei and Juba following the outbreak of fighting between forces loyal to South Sudan president Salvar Kiir and his ex-vice president Rick Machar in December 2013. To help displaced and conflict-affected households return home and start the recovery process, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has engaged in emergency response activities. In addition to helping these households re-engage in their livelihoods and attain food security through emergency food rations, CRS has been working to educate beneficiaries on cholera prevention. CRS is also committed to helping beneficiaries return to life as normal by providing them with farm tools and seed.

The following is an interview with Deborah Atong Ajang, 35:
Please describe your current situation and the reasons for it.
My family is struggling because we need money; we need jobs.
What is the hardest?
Illness is the hardest part. My mother and three of my children have malaria. One of the children has both malaria and bronchitis.
Please describe your family and what you did before the violence started in South Sudan.
There is my husband and our seven children. We were farmers before the conflict and we had 50 cows and 120 goats – all stolen by the rebels. Our life was good and comfortable before the conflict.
How has the conflict and violence affected you and your family?
We have not been able to return to farming because our land is too far outside the village; we’re afraid to go there – it’s not safe.
What are your biggest needs at this moment?
Medicine for illness is our biggest need. We have no money for medicine so we make traditional medicines. How do you feel about this food distribution?
The food is good. We’re thankful.
What would it take for South Sudanese to no longer need assistance?
I don’t know. Because of the war it’s impossible to say. Only God knows.
How did you feel three years ago when South Sudan gained independence?
During the war I worried all the time so when independence came I was very happy.
What were your hopes?
My hopes were for my family to enjoy our freedom and to be free of worry about being killed by guns. I was hopeful for my children to be able to go to school.
How do you feel now?
I feel now the way I did before the separation: I have a constant fear of being attacked and displaced. I was not settled during the old war and now it’s the same. I’m hopeful now that this war will end as the previous one ended.
What do you think needs to happen to avert more suffering in South Sudan?
People need to work hard so that we can be one people and bring the government and rebels together. I believe that peace will come. If people pray as we did during the first war peace will come.
What do you want others to know about what is happening in South Sudan?
This war we cannot solve alone – we need your help. What gives you hope?
God gives me hope. God will not let people suffer like this forever.
She ended the interview with a statement: These items that were given out at the food distribution site were very good but it would be helpful if my children had milk and sugar. And my kids don’t have clothing, they’re naked. It would be perfect if we had milk, sugar and clothing.


Browse Our Archives