WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The US expressed "grave concern" over the declaration of famine in parts of South Sudan and by the "significant scale of humanitarian need throughout the country." "This crisis is man-made, the direct consequence of a conflict prolonged by South Sudanese leaders who are unwilling to put aside political ambitions for the good of their people," said State Department Acting Spokesperson Mark Toner in a statement Tuesday.
"We call on President (Salva) Kiir to expeditiously make good on his promise that humanitarian and developmental organizations will have unimpeded access to populations in need across the country." Almost half of South Sudan's population, an estimated 5.5 million people, will face "life-threatening hunger this year," Toner added.
The US called upon donors and other members of the international community to provide humanitarian assistance.
Toner highlighted that the US has provided over USD 2.1 billion since 2014 including over 600,000 metric tons of food assistance. (end) ak.gta