UN seeks extra fund for South Sudan refugees

Nairobi, April 25 (IANS) The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said Friday that it seeks $64 million fund for next six months to assist South Sudan refugees in four east African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan.

WFP said in its latest report for South Sudan, where fighting has been raging between government and opposition forces, that the funds will help refugees who have crossed into Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan, Xinhua reported.

More refugees are expected to cross into neighbouring countries as the rebel force killed South Sudanese and foreign civilians based on their ethnicity or nationality after captured Bentiu, the capital of Unity state last week.

Violence also broke out in Bor, the war-torn capital of Jonglei state, when a mob of armed civilians forced its way into a UN facility and opened fire on displaced people sheltering inside.

According to the UN, some 870,000 civilians have been uprooted since the conflict began. Nearly 10 percent of them are seeking protection in eight UN bases around the country, including 32,000 people in Juba, 18,000 in Malakal, 22,000 in Bentiu, and 4,800 in Bor.

"Since mid-December, more than 290,000 South Sudanese have arrived in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan," WFP said, adding that over 35,000 refugees entered Kenya.

WFP said it aims to enhance its nutrition assistance further and continued donor support is therefore required.