South Sudan: State of Emergency

July 8, 2014

South Sudan is set to be officially recognized as an independent nation on July 9, 2011. But hundreds of thousands of newly displaced people in the world’s newest country are facing emergency needs.

In May, violence between northern Sudan and South Sudan forces in the contested border region of Abyei pushed some 100,000 people from their homes. Many saw family members killed during heavy bombardments and military ambushes. Some people, terrified of the violence, traveled as far as 10 days from home seeking safety.

Photos by Gaël Turine/VU.

By early July, more than 6,300 people had taken refuge in the South Sudan villages of Juong Pajok and Mayem Pajok, in the Akon North area of Warrap State.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

More people continue to arrive every day.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

They usually come with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

After she fled the first wave of bombings by northern forces, Aiker traveled south. On the way, she often had to hide from soldiers.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

In order to bury her three children—all killed during the bombings—Amel had to stay in Abyei during the assault.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Melit, left, was orphaned when his parents died during the bombings in Abyei. The elderly woman beside him is Abouk. She lost track of her family members during the chaos of fleeing the violence.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Melit and Abouk were strangers before they found each other while fleeing to Juong Pajok. It took them six days to reach the village; now they take care of each other.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Uncertain when or if they will be able to return to Abyei, people build temporary shelters from twigs and cover them with any clothing they can spare.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

This husband and wife, right, must rotate the one cloth they have to protect themselves and their few belongings against the sun. The temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) during the day.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Uprooted from normal daily life, most people have nothing to occupy their time. The shade of a tree is a place to escape the intense heat, have discussions, and wait.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Access to fresh water is limited, particularly for those near Juong Pajok. People are forced to drink rain or swamp water.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Drinking dirty water increases the risk of water-borne diseases. Stagnant water breeds malaria, which is endemic in South Sudan.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Recovering from malaria, Agor tries to rest. She hopes to get better quickly, as she just learned that her five children are alive in another village. The family escaped from Abyei together, but they were attacked by armed men and all fled in separate directions.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU

Some displaced people are forced to boil and eat leaves. Food is scarce and prices are rising. Others manage to find work in nearby villages so they can buy rice or vegetables at the market.

South Sudan 2011 © Gaël Turine/VU