China donates emergency relief package to S. Sudan

JUBA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Thursday handed over 1,500 tonnes of rice and 27 containers of tents, mosquito nets and blankets as emergency aid to the East African country.

He Xiangdong, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, said the third batch of the China- donated rice is part of 8,800 tonnes of rice pledged by Beijing in April to help hunger-stricken South Sudan nation fight severe food shortage.

He said over 4,000 tonnes have already been handed over to the South Sudanese government, with the remaining expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The envoy added that the 27 containers comprise of 3,700 tents, 15,000 pieces of mosquito nets and 30,000 pieces of blankets that would assist the government in resettling displaced persons and also respond to disasters.

He described the aid package as a gift from the Chinese people to the people of South Sudan, adding that China is committed to help the war-torn country achieve stability and self reliance.

"I think with the joint efforts of the South Sudanese people and government, with the help of the international community, the South Sudanese people will stand on its own feet to rebuild this country because South Sudan is a country with a lot of potential," He said.

"We hope and we believe that peace and stability can be achieved here soon," the Chinese envoy added.

Martha Nyamal, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRS), pledged to distribute the donation to the most vulnerable communities across South Sudan.

She thanked the Chinese government for its continued support to South Sudan since gaining independence in 2011.

South Sudan has been embroiled in more than three years of conflict that has have taken a devastating toll on the people.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.

The UN estimates that 4 million people have been displaced internally and externally and another 6 million people across the country are severely food insecure.