Violence 2008

In May 2008, citizens of Abyei (a politically contentious town), were displaced in their thousands due to recurring conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). Approximately 10 000 citizens fled north whilst some 50 000 fled south, as more than half of Abyei’s home was burnt. People attempting to flee were shot at random whilst others were arbitrarily killed. Following the unrest, appropriate investigation and retribution had not been implemented in its entirety.

Gift of the Givers Response:

Our response to the massive displacement of civilians, forced to flee their homes and leaving behind all their belongings, was to fly a team and 40 tons of emergency relief aid to Juba. We were welcomed by Southern Sudan Government authorities and the then South African Ambassador to Sudan and the Embassy's then Second Secretary.

The R5 million mission saw our provision of vital necessities inclusive of tents, mattresses, blankets, clothing and shoes, kitchenware and - because the disaster coincided with the country's rainy season - plastic sheeting and mosquito nets.

We also flew in quantities of urgently required medicines, nutritional food parcels and Sibusiso Ready Food Supplement.