Since the beginning of 2022, WFP has reached 4.8 million people across Sudan with life-saving food or cash and nutrition support, school meals, and livelihood opportunities. Source: International Committee of the Red Cross.
The World Bank has contributed $100 million to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan amid the countries worsening food and humanitarian crisis.
It’s the first time the WFP has donated to another UN entity, but Sudanese officials have said that the money is desperately needed.
Inflation, poor harvests, and the increase in price of international imports are all contributing to a hunger crisis that is affecting one-third or 18 million Sudanese people according to WFP.
The grant has been made to the Sudan Emergency Safety Nets Project which will provide direct cash transfers and food to more than two million people.
“This funding will help to mitigate a looming hunger crisis in Sudan and inform future social safety net systems for the country’s most vulnerable that not only saves but changes lives,” said WFP representative for Sudan Eddie Rowe.
Although the money has been welcomed, WFP says they still need another $266 million by the end of the year for ongoing support of over 10 million Sudanese citizens.
Their neighbour, South Sudan is also dealing with a financial crisis.
Recently the National Revenue Authority of South Sudan announced that tax would be increased on imported goods, going from 45 South Sudan Pound (A$0.50) to 90 South Sudan Pound (A$0.98) beginning in August.
“There will be a transfer of tax burden to the consumers because once the tax exchange rate is increased from 45 S initially to 90 SSP per U.S. dollar, it means the importers will be forced to pass the burden to consumers,” said Morris Madut Kon from the University of Juba.
Mother of four Mariam Juru spoke to TeleSur saying that people are going to struggle even more when the tax increases come into effect.
“The cost of living is becoming very high because products in the market have become very expensive. Families either have to forgo some meals or opt for cheap alternatives that are not nutritious.”
While that may not seem like a big increase when converted to Australian Dollars, the average monthly income of a South Sudanese citizen is 36,500 South Sudanese Pound (SSP) which is equivalent to $114.
