By John Jefferson:
Mission to Kao-Nyaro Refugees – How it all started
Within a matter of days, a small window of opportunity
opened to bring desperately needed relief to the refugees of Kao-Nyaro a
population of more than 3,000 Sudanese trapped between two opposing sides in
the nascent stages of civil violence in South Sudan, and already suffering
through ongoing conflict in their home region in South Kordofan, Sudan. The End Nuba Genocide coalition decided to
bring food and supplies to these people despite the risks involved. Located in Kodok, South Sudan, the refugee
camp is situated along the Nile River and contains no permanent structures,
sanitation, running water, or medical facilities. It is the barest existence imaginable, and a
reminder that these policies of eradication even pursue their victims across
borders. The objective of delivering
food, some limited medical aid, and clothing was achieved with less than three
weeks of planning, proving that with Faith and a bit of effort, all things are
possible.
Background
Prior to the conflict that erupted in South Sudan in
mid-December 2013, various plans to follow up on the previous Nuba-focused work
of ENG members and affiliated organizations were in motion. Coalition participants have seen success with
humanitarian relief operations in the region, but when what appeared to be
either an attempted coup or dictatorial seizure of power led to ethnic violence
and all appearances of a civil war broke out in South Sudan the stakes were
raised. Suddenly, the already isolated
and vulnerable Nuba (especially Kao-Nyaro) population in both Sudan and South
Sudan became virtually beyond hope and reach.
Anyone with even a scant understanding of the historical and present
condition of the Nuba would understand how grave their situation had become. Within this context, ENG team members
doggedly pursued intelligence on the situation on the ground and possible ways
to bring aid and comfort to populations already living on the edge of
existence.
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