Bentiu Floods and Cholera Crisis Get National and UN Attention

(Bentiu) – A joint delegation of South Sudan’s national government officials and representatives from the United Nations visited Unity State on Tuesday, 24th June 2025, to assess the current flooding and cholera situation affecting communities across the region. The visit was hosted by the Governor of Unity State, H.E. Justice Riek Bim Top Long, in Bentiu, the state capital.

The delegation included Hon. Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Dr Joseph Geng Akech, National Minister of Youth and Sports, representatives from the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA), and the Director General from the national Ministry of Health.

Their mission aimed to understand the extent of humanitarian needs and explore response options in the face of ongoing health and environmental crises.

The focus of the visit was on the resilience of local residents who continue to endure both widespread flooding and a serious cholera outbreak.

Officials recognised the scale of challenges facing the Unity State administration, especially with limited resources to manage public health and land-related issues.

Despite the resource constraints, the Governor of Unity State, H.E. Justice Riek Bim Top Long, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to confronting the crises.

He explained to the visiting delegation that his government was doing everything possible to support affected populations, while also calling attention to the urgent need for national and international collaboration.

Governor Riek stressed the importance of joint action between the state government, national institutions, and development partners to control the spread of disease and restore flood affected areas.

He also appealed for coordinated intervention from both humanitarian actors and policy leaders.

Flooding remains a major problem in Unity State, with large swaths of land submerged or unfit for habitation. At the same time, waterborne diseases like cholera have been spreading rapidly, putting further strain on limited medical services.

In recent weeks, Unity State health officials have warned that the outbreak could worsen without swift additional support.

Although the visit did not result in immediate financial pledges, it marked a symbolic show of solidarity by national authorities and their UN counterparts.

Observers on the ground welcomed the mission as a step toward stronger coordination, with many hoping that it will translate into practical assistance in the days ahead.

Previous disaster response efforts in similar situations have required logistical support and emergency health funding running into millions of South Sudanese Pounds depending on the scale and duration of intervention.

Unity State has long been vulnerable to both climate and health emergencies. However, the convergence of floods and cholera this year has heightened urgency.

Local civil society groups have also been calling for faster deployment of medical teams, water purification equipment, and food support for displaced families.

The delegation returned to Juba after the day long tour, with promises to escalate findings to higher decision-making platforms.