Dr. Riek Engages in Collaboration with World Food Programme to Address Flooding Consequences and Deliver Essential Assistance

By Majur Chol Khor

The First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, held a productive meeting on Wednesday with a team from the World Food Programme (WFP) to discuss ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding and provide humanitarian aid to affected areas. 

Led by Mrs. Mary-Ellen Mcgroarty, the WFP team briefed H.E. the First Vice President on the preparations underway for building dykes to prevent further flooding and save lives in vulnerable regions such as Jale in Jonglei State.

During the meeting, Mrs. Mcgroarty, who serves as the WFP’s Representative and Country Director to South Sudan, highlighted the organization’s operational situation in the country. 

She specifically emphasized the urgent need for emergency food and nutrition assistance in Renk, which shares the border with Sudan. Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing Sudanese crises and their humanitarian impact, including the influx of refugees, as well as the challenges faced in river transport operations.

In her remarks following the meeting, Mrs. Mcgroarty expressed her appreciation for the support received from H.E. the First Vice President and the South Sudanese government. 

“We had a fruitful discussion with H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, who assured us of the government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of humanitarian aid workers, equipment, and the safety of humanitarian operations in the country,” She stated.

H.E. the First Vice President echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the government’s unwavering support for the WFP’s efforts. 

He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the well-being of humanitarian aid workers and ensuring the successful implementation of relief operations across South Sudan.

As the country grapples with the devastating effects of flooding and ongoing humanitarian crises, the collaboration between the South Sudanese government and organizations like the WFP remains crucial in providing much-needed assistance to affected populations. 

The commitment demonstrated by H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and the WFP team offers hope for the people of South Sudan.