South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Chinese government on Wednesday donated emergency food assistance to vulnerable people in Magwi County, Eastern Equatorial State, who were displaced by conflict in February.
The aid included rice, maize flour, cooking oil, and salt.
This donation, made on Wednesday, follows a previous contribution of maize flour and other food and non-food items, including tons of emergency supplies and tents, distributed by China across South Sudan.
Ma Qiang, the Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, said that the humanitarian support reflects the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit.
“The aid to Magwi County today is a concrete practice of China’s implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the two heads of state, a vivid demonstration of jointly building a China-South Sudan community with a shared future,” said Ma on Wednesday during the donation ceremony in Juba.
Ma noted that the Chinese Business Association and the Overseas Chinese Association in South Sudan have also provided support in terms of aid assistance, emphasizing that humanitarian support is an inherent part of China’s Africa policy, which features sincerity, real results, good faith, and friendship.
“The Chinese government has consistently provided a large amount of humanitarian supplies to South Sudan. Last year, we donated nearly 1,000 tons of emergency food assistance and thousands of tents to South Sudan,” he said.
Betty Achan, the Member of Parliament representing Magwi County in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, stated that they recently submitted a request for humanitarian assistance for people devastated by conflict in Magwi County.
“I am really excited today to stand here with two lorries carrying food for the people. This means we are extending and improving the lives of these individuals, enabling them to return to their homes and start cultivating,” said Achan.
Truck loaded with china donate food items ready to deliver food to displaced persons in Magwi County
Julius Ajeo Moilinga, the chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Parliamentary Caucus in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, expressed their commitment to using parliamentary diplomacy to assist the suffering population.
“We sent letters requesting help for our displaced people, and today, we stand here with hearts full of joy. We are here to give hope to our people; we have not given up hope for South Sudan and our future in this nation,” said Moilinga.
Lawrence Akola Sarafino, the Director General for Planning, Training, and Coordination of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, expressed gratitude on behalf of the South Sudanese people for the continued food assistance from the Chinese government.
“Your unwavering support in terms of food and non-food items has helped the needy during this difficult time. Your dedication, compassion, and ongoing assistance have made a significant impact on the lives of the needy people of South Sudan,” said Akola.
