Canadian Jesuits International

  • Who we are
    • Vision, mission and values
    • CJI history
    • The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
    • Provincial’s message
    • CJI board
    • CJI staff
    • Job opportunities
    • Tributes
  • International Programs
    • Education and Health
    • Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood Support
    • Human Rights Defence and Community Organizing
    • Forcibly Displaced People and Humanitarian Action
    • Projects we support
  • Outreach
    • Youth for Others
    • Community engagement
    • Solidarity trips
    • Advocacy
    • Prayer
    • Your voices
  • Ways to give
    • Donate online
    • Donate via phone or mail
    • Monthly donations
    • Planned giving
    • Finances
    • CJI’s Privacy policy
  • Resources
    • Publications
      • Newsletters
      • Appeals
      • News archive
    • Multimedia
      • Video archive
      • Webinars
    • Our Partners
      • Project Partners
      • Jesuit Organizations
      • Sister Organizations
Donate
  • Home
  • COVID-19
  • South Sudan and its Weak Response to COVID-19

South Sudan and its Weak Response to COVID-19

19 May 2020 / Published in COVID-19

South Sudan and its Weak Response to COVID-19

Like other countries in the world, South Sudan, the youngest nation on earth, is also grappling with the reality of COVID-19. Though it was among the last to report the first case of COVID-19 in the East African region, South Sudan continues to experience increase in numbers of those confirmed positive. By May 14h, the number of positive cases had shot up to 194. Many people fear that the situation could get even worse as more cases are reported in almost all the major towns in the country.

Though in March, the government had demonstrated a great sense of commitment in containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic by imposing a partial lockdown, that enthusiasm lasted only for a few weeks. The partial lockdown involved the suspension of flights, closure of borders, all schools, religious institutions, non-essential businesses and social gatherings such as sports events, conferences, weddings, and funerals. This regulation was followed by another in April which banned domestic and inter-state or inter-city movement for 14 days to curb the spread of the virus.

However, there are three issues now worrying many people concerned about the safety of the South Sudanese. The first one is to see at a time when many countries in the world are strengthening their response to COVID-19 pandemic, the South Sudanese government has decided to ease some lockdown restrictions including constraints on travel and trade, despite an increase in cases of coronavirus.

The second issue which is equally worrying at a time when national unity is needed in this country to collectively fight the spread of COVID-19 is the ongoing political bickering in Juba. On May 7th, the leaders of opposition parties led by the recently appointed first Vice-President Riek Machar rejected the allocation of South Sudan’s State governors. The leaders opposed what they termed as “a unilateral decision” by the president to assign more states to its party. They argued such move ignored the prominence of the parties, as stated in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and was not taken by consensus. This impasse has delayed the appointment of governors for the recently created 10 States. Absence of governors in all the States means poor or basically lack of coordinated response to curb the spread of COVID-19 at the grassroots.

The third issue is insecurity and hunger. Inter-communal conflicts continue to claim many lives and displacing many people across the country, particularly in Western Lakes State. There are also places in Equatorial region where some rebel groups are fighting government forces in an attempt to take control of mineral-rich areas. These conflicts expose untold human suffering and hunger that will expose many vulnerable people to COVID-19. The month of May marks the beginning of the rainy season, but fear of contracting COVID-19, displacement and migration will make it very difficult for many families to do cultivation. Therefore, the ongoing conflicts and the spread of COVID-19 in South Sudan is not just going to be a danger to health, rather a danger to food security as well. This is because food will no longer be cultivated in sufficient quantities and supply chains will be interrupted.

Lelia prepares food for her family in Gendrassa Refugee Camp in Maban, South Sudan. (Photo: Angela Wells/JRSEA)

Lastly, the widespread perception among the locals that COVID-19 is a disease for foreigners. This notion was so rampant during the first few weeks after the first case involving a foreign national was reported. Influenced by that narrative, some locals ignored embracing preventive measures arguing that they are not at risk of contracting the virus. After realizing its effect on the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and the threat it was posing against the foreigners, the government warned all those spreading the narrative to stop doing so. This situation also forced South Sudan COVID-19 Task-Force to refrain from announcing nationalities of those found to be positive for fear of fueling xenophobic sentiments and reactions.

The above worrying factors have weakened national government’s response to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In all the States there is no leadership to spearhead the much-needed response and coordination of enforcement of regulations imposed by the national government. Sadly, instead of the political leaders discussing about a coordinated and impactful response to fight COVID-19 pandemic, their attention has diverted to fighting for the State’s allocation. This situation has left millions of the poor people in the conflict-torn East African country, with the weakest health system in the world, vulnerable and at great risk of contracting COVID-19.

Given the current state of affairs, the safety and hope of the people now rests on the uncoordinated and scanty responses launched by various humanitarian agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs). The Jesuits under the diocese of Rumbek (DOR) are engaged in supporting the regulations that maintain social distancing, washing of hands, and staying at home. The same has been reinforced within our premises by posting posters raising awareness on COVID-19 and installing containers for washing hands. More proactive responses are needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in this young nation with very weak institutions

Augostine Edan Ekeno, SJ is the Pastor at St. Teresa Reconciliation Parish and Director of the Multi-educational and Agricultural Jesuit Institute (MAJIS), Rumbek – South Sudan.

Author

  • Augostine Edan Ekeno SJ

    View all posts

Tagged under: South Sudan

Planned Giving

Photo: Fe y Alegría Peru

Bridging Borders

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Ways to give

  • Donate online
  • One-time donations
  • Monthly donations
  • Planned giving

@canadianjesuitsinternational

We are #hiring! Join our small, dynamic team and find opportunities to make a difference with progressive, human rights-focused work.  This is an opportunity for you help bring the stories and experiences of our international partners to a Canadian audience, to advocate for their causes, as well as to increase CJI’s visibility and support for our work.https://bit.ly/CJIjobs
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
We are #hiring! Join our small, dynamic team and find opportunities to make a difference with progressive, human rights-focused work. This is an opportunity for you help bring the stories and experiences of our international partners to a Canadian audience, to advocate for their causes, as well as to increase CJI’s visibility and support for our work.https://bit.ly/CJIjobs
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Let us support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as they promote sustainable development in the Global South. To learn more about our #Jesuit partners and their sustainable livelihood projects, please visit: https://bit.ly/3y00GMZ #SustainableDevelopment
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Let us support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as they promote sustainable development in the Global South. To learn more about our #Jesuit partners and their sustainable livelihood projects, please visit: https://bit.ly/3y00GMZ #SustainableDevelopment
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) se solidariza con los jesuitas de México al condenar el asesinato y lamentar la pérdida de Javier Campos Morales SJ y Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. Los dos jesuitas fueron asesinados por asaltantes armados en Cerocahui, Chihuahua, México, el 20 de junio, junto con Pedro Palma, un hombre que buscaba refugio en la iglesia de la comunidad.Estas muertes no son actos de violencia aislados. En varias regiones de México, muchos hombres y mujeres, religiosos y laicos, sufren la violencia y son asesinados impunemente. Los jesuitas de México trabajan para promover la justicia, luchar por la defensa de los derechos humanos y hablar por la paz en zonas conflictivas. Por estas mismas razones, ellos y las personas a las que acompañan son a menudo víctimas de la violencia.Nos unimos a los jesuitas de México en el duelo por la pérdida de sus dos hermanos jesuitas. También exigimos que se tomen todas las medidas para la protección de los jesuitas restantes, los laicos y los miembros de la comunidad que ahora están en riesgo de más violencia. Estamos con ellos mientras dan voz a los silenciados y acompañan a los pobres y marginados que sufren la violencia endémica, especialmente a aquellos cuyas muertes no reciben ninguna atención pública. Sus voces no serán silenciadas por esta violencia y nos solidarizamos con ellas.#Jesuitas  @sjes_rome @jesuitas_mexico @cpalsocial @somosjesuitas
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) se solidariza con los jesuitas de México al condenar el asesinato y lamentar la pérdida de Javier Campos Morales SJ y Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. Los dos jesuitas fueron asesinados por asaltantes armados en Cerocahui, Chihuahua, México, el 20 de junio, junto con Pedro Palma, un hombre que buscaba refugio en la iglesia de la comunidad.Estas muertes no son actos de violencia aislados. En varias regiones de México, muchos hombres y mujeres, religiosos y laicos, sufren la violencia y son asesinados impunemente. Los jesuitas de México trabajan para promover la justicia, luchar por la defensa de los derechos humanos y hablar por la paz en zonas conflictivas. Por estas mismas razones, ellos y las personas a las que acompañan son a menudo víctimas de la violencia.Nos unimos a los jesuitas de México en el duelo por la pérdida de sus dos hermanos jesuitas. También exigimos que se tomen todas las medidas para la protección de los jesuitas restantes, los laicos y los miembros de la comunidad que ahora están en riesgo de más violencia. Estamos con ellos mientras dan voz a los silenciados y acompañan a los pobres y marginados que sufren la violencia endémica, especialmente a aquellos cuyas muertes no reciben ninguna atención pública. Sus voces no serán silenciadas por esta violencia y nos solidarizamos con ellas.#Jesuitas @sjes_rome @jesuitas_mexico @cpalsocial @somosjesuitas
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed by armed assailants in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 20, along with Pedro Palma, a man seeking refuge in the community church.These deaths are not isolated acts of violence. In several regions of Mexico, many men and women, religious and lay people, experience violence and are killed with impunity. The Jesuits of Mexico work to promote justice, fight for the defence of human rights and speak for peace in conflict-ridden areas. For these very reasons, they and the people they accompany are often victims of violence.We join the Jesuits of Mexico in mourning the loss of their two Jesuit brothers. We also demand that all measures be taken for the protection of the remaining Jesuits, lay people and the community members who are now at risk of further violence. We stand with them as they give voice to those who are silenced and accompany poor and marginalized people suffering from endemic violence, especially those whose deaths do not get any public attention. Their voices will not be silenced by this violence and we stand in solidarity with them.#Jesuits @jesuitsofcanada  @sjes_rome
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed by armed assailants in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 20, along with Pedro Palma, a man seeking refuge in the community church.These deaths are not isolated acts of violence. In several regions of Mexico, many men and women, religious and lay people, experience violence and are killed with impunity. The Jesuits of Mexico work to promote justice, fight for the defence of human rights and speak for peace in conflict-ridden areas. For these very reasons, they and the people they accompany are often victims of violence.We join the Jesuits of Mexico in mourning the loss of their two Jesuit brothers. We also demand that all measures be taken for the protection of the remaining Jesuits, lay people and the community members who are now at risk of further violence. We stand with them as they give voice to those who are silenced and accompany poor and marginalized people suffering from endemic violence, especially those whose deaths do not get any public attention. Their voices will not be silenced by this violence and we stand in solidarity with them.#Jesuits @jesuitsofcanada @sjes_rome
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed by armed assailants in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 20, along with Pedro Palma, a man seeking refuge in the community church.These deaths are not isolated acts of violence. In several regions of Mexico, many men and women, religious and lay people, experience violence and are killed with impunity. The Jesuits of Mexico work to promote justice, fight for the defence of human rights and speak for peace in conflict-ridden areas. For these very reasons, they and the people they accompany are often victims of violence.We join the Jesuits of Mexico in mourning the loss of their two Jesuit brothers. We also demand that all measures be taken for the protection of the remaining Jesuits, lay people and the community members who are now at risk of further violence. We stand with them as they give voice to those who are silenced and accompany poor and marginalized people suffering from endemic violence, especially those whose deaths do not get any public attention. Their voices will not be silenced by this violence and we stand in solidarity with them.#Jesuits @jesuitsofcanada  @sjes_rome
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed by armed assailants in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 20, along with Pedro Palma, a man seeking refuge in the community church.These deaths are not isolated acts of violence. In several regions of Mexico, many men and women, religious and lay people, experience violence and are killed with impunity. The Jesuits of Mexico work to promote justice, fight for the defence of human rights and speak for peace in conflict-ridden areas. For these very reasons, they and the people they accompany are often victims of violence.We join the Jesuits of Mexico in mourning the loss of their two Jesuit brothers. We also demand that all measures be taken for the protection of the remaining Jesuits, lay people and the community members who are now at risk of further violence. We stand with them as they give voice to those who are silenced and accompany poor and marginalized people suffering from endemic violence, especially those whose deaths do not get any public attention. Their voices will not be silenced by this violence and we stand in solidarity with them.#Jesuits @jesuitsofcanada @sjes_rome
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico. Religious and lay people continue to be tortured and killed as they fight for the recognition of human rights of marginalized people and stand up for peace in conflict-ridden areas. CJI supports our Jesuit and lay partners in Mexico and other parts of the Global South where they accompany poor and marginalized people in recognition of their right to live in dignity and peace.Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) se solidariza con los jesuitas de México al condenar el asesinato y lamentar la pérdida de Javier Campos Morales SJ y Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. Los dos jesuitas fueron asesinados en Cerocahui, Chihuahua, México. Religiosos y laicos siguen siendo torturados y asesinados cuando luchan por el reconocimiento de los derechos humanos de las personas marginadas y defienden la paz en las zonas de conflicto. CJI apoya a nuestros compañeros jesuitas y laicos en México y otras partes del Sur Global donde acompañan a las personas pobres y marginadas en el reconocimiento de su derecho a vivir en dignidad y paz.https://bit.ly/3bhmGu2#HumanRights #derechoshumanos @jesuitas_mexico @jesuitsofcanada #justiceandpeace
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) stands in solidarity with the Jesuits of Mexico as we condemn the murder and mourn the loss of Javier Campos Morales SJ and Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. The two Jesuits were killed in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico. Religious and lay people continue to be tortured and killed as they fight for the recognition of human rights of marginalized people and stand up for peace in conflict-ridden areas. CJI supports our Jesuit and lay partners in Mexico and other parts of the Global South where they accompany poor and marginalized people in recognition of their right to live in dignity and peace.Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) se solidariza con los jesuitas de México al condenar el asesinato y lamentar la pérdida de Javier Campos Morales SJ y Joaquín César Mora Salazar SJ. Los dos jesuitas fueron asesinados en Cerocahui, Chihuahua, México. Religiosos y laicos siguen siendo torturados y asesinados cuando luchan por el reconocimiento de los derechos humanos de las personas marginadas y defienden la paz en las zonas de conflicto. CJI apoya a nuestros compañeros jesuitas y laicos en México y otras partes del Sur Global donde acompañan a las personas pobres y marginadas en el reconocimiento de su derecho a vivir en dignidad y paz.https://bit.ly/3bhmGu2#HumanRights #derechoshumanos @jesuitas_mexico @jesuitsofcanada #justiceandpeace
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
On #WorldRefugeeDay2022, CJI stands in solidarity with all forcibly displaced people and supports the work of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Colombia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. CJI also supports the work of Jesuit Migrant Service (SJM) in Mexico, Haiti, Brazil and Venezuela.
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
On #WorldRefugeeDay2022, CJI stands in solidarity with all forcibly displaced people and supports the work of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Colombia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. CJI also supports the work of Jesuit Migrant Service (SJM) in Mexico, Haiti, Brazil and Venezuela.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
CJI stands in solidarity with the survivors of sexual violence, and those working to support them, including our partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We need to ensure they are not forgotten amid all the ongoing wars, pandemic recovery, and the global climate crisis. #WomensRightsAreHumanRights
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
CJI stands in solidarity with the survivors of sexual violence, and those working to support them, including our partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We need to ensure they are not forgotten amid all the ongoing wars, pandemic recovery, and the global climate crisis. #WomensRightsAreHumanRights
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Support Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) and our Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America and help us win $20,000! Throughout the month of June, every dollar you donate will help increase our chances of winning the Great Canadian Giving Challenge.#GivingChallengeCA is CanadaHelps' month-long contest to help charities fundraise during the slow summer months when donations tend to decline. Since 2015, the Great Canadian Giving Challenge gives charities a reason to engage their donor base, attract new donors, and have the chance to win a major prize donation from CanadaHelps.Support CJI and our #Jesuit partners in the Global South. Donate now! https://bit.ly/SuppportCJI (or click on the link on our profile page)#EqualityForAll #JustFutureForAll
canadianjesuitsinternational
canadianjesuitsinternational
•
Follow
Support Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) and our Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America and help us win $20,000! Throughout the month of June, every dollar you donate will help increase our chances of winning the Great Canadian Giving Challenge.#GivingChallengeCA is CanadaHelps' month-long contest to help charities fundraise during the slow summer months when donations tend to decline. Since 2015, the Great Canadian Giving Challenge gives charities a reason to engage their donor base, attract new donors, and have the chance to win a major prize donation from CanadaHelps.Support CJI and our #Jesuit partners in the Global South. Donate now! https://bit.ly/SuppportCJI (or click on the link on our profile page)#EqualityForAll #JustFutureForAll
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Follow us!
  • Who we are
  • International Programs
  • Outreach
  • Ways to give
  • Resources
Donate Now!

Follow us

Subscribe to our newsletter!


 Our Privacy Policy

Contact

Canadian Jesuits International

70 Saint Mary St
Toronto, ON
M5S 1J3
Canada

Tel: 416.465.1824
Toll Free (Canada and USA): 1.800.448.2148

Email: cji@jesuits.ca

© Canadian Jesuits International 2021

TOP
Accessibility by WAH