According to local authorities, over 40 people have died from hunger in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area in the last two months. Information Minister Oleyo Akuer reported that three elderly women starved to death last week, increasing the death toll to 43. In June, 18 people died in Pocholla, 12 in Likwangole, 6 in Jebal Buma, and 7 in Marwo and Loprap. Akuer mentioned that three elderly women in Pocholla South also succumbed to hunger, bringing the total number of deaths in Pochalla to 15. Furthermore, six people died each in Jebal Buma and Marwo, while Loprap experienced severe hunger, resulting in seven deaths.
Akuer described the hunger situation as critically urgent, noting that many residents have fled to Ethiopia due to the severe lack of food, while others remain in the region. The crisis is affecting the entire administrative area, with supply routes from Juba, Eastern Equatoria, and neighboring Ethiopia being scarcely accessible. A national government delegation, along with UN Mission representatives, visited the area yesterday for a one-day assessment of the situation.
