The ongoing war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has created one the world’s largest displacement crises, with more than 10 million people forced to flee their homes. According to UNHCR, more than 680,000 people have arrived in South Sudan since April last year, at a time when the country’s health system and existing humanitarian assistance can barely meet its population’s needs. In the coming months, the pressure on health services and aid organisations is likely to increase, with an estimated seven million people predicted to be without access to sufficient food by July, according to a WHO/IPC survey.
Renk in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state is located around 60 kilometres from Joda, the official entry point for people fleeing the war. Some 13,000 refugees and returnees are currently stranded in and around the transit centre in the town. The number fluctuates depending on the onward movements; either they wait to be able to continue their journeys across South Sudan or return home in Sudan. Living conditions are dire and they have limited food, water, shelter, sanitation facilities and medical care.
Many of those who arrive at the border are injured and acutely malnourished, having walked for weeks to reach safety. Currently, aid agencies provide them with money to buy food for seven days, but many people find themselves stuck at Renk transit centre for weeks or even months, as they wait for transport to continue their journeys.
“Sometimes we manage to eat twice a day, but usually we only eat breakfast, and we go to bed at night with empty stomachs, even the youngest ones,” says Dak Denj, a 70-year-old cattle herder who has been staying in Renk transit centre since December 2023.