South Sudanese government stokes famine

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) accuses the government of Southern Sudan of accepting the deaths of tens of thousands of people due to the working ban for foreigners. "It is cynical and inhumane not to allow foreign relief organizations and their experienced employees from trying to prevente a famine," said Ulrich Delius, the STP's Africa-consultant, in Göttingen on Wednesday. "South Sudan's leaders are not even trying to hide that retaining their power is more important to them than the lives of the civilians.

"More than ever before, about seven million South Sudanese are dependent on help by foreign experts to ensure their survival in the coming months and to prevent an even greater famine. It could be seen as a crime against humanity to stop aid organizations from trying to take control of the acute emergency situation in the country," says a letter from the STP to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. "Please act upon the government of South Sudan to ensure that the working ban will be revoked."

The controversial working ban for foreigners was adopted by the Ministry of Labour. The according Act 007/2014 was published by South Sudanese newspapers this week – and the authorities were informed accordingly. In consequence, companies and organizations are no longer allowed to employ foreigners from October 15, 2014, onwards, allegedly in order to ensure more jobs for the people of South Sudan. All vacant positions must be publicly announced and filled with "competent" people from South Sudan.

Since the outbreak of the power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former Vice President Riek Machar in December 2013, at least 1.7 million people from South Sudan were forced to flee from their villages. About 99,000 sought refuge in United Nations camps, another 450,000 fled to neighboring countries. At least 1.3 million refugees are now living in hastily established camps or with relatives in South Sudan. "All these people are in urgent need of more humanitarian aid," said Delius. According to estimates, about 10,000 people from South Sudan have been killed since the outbreak of violence already. "The famine is not a natural phenomenon, it was caused by human hands."

"Now, President Salva Kiir has ruined his reputation completely," said Delius. "With this new policy, he is no better than the dreaded Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, who expelled 60,000 immigrants from Asia – especially India – from his country in 1972." At least, Idi Amin had granted the Asian minority a time period of three months to leave.

Ulrich Delius, head of the STP's Africa department, is available for further questions: +49 551 49906 27 or afrika@gfbv.de.

Header Photo: Oxfam International/Flickr