28.04.2026

Cash assistance alleviates the effects of the conflict in South Sudan

Photo: Etelä-Sudanin Punainen Risti

South Sudan suffers from a complex, prolonged crisis. The Finnish Red Cross supports vulnerable local communities, internally displaced people and returnees who have returned to the country due to the conflict in Sudan by providing humanitarian aid.

South Sudan suffers from a complex, prolonged crisis caused by conflicts, climate change and poverty. In 2026, more than 10 million people were in need of humanitarian aid, accounting for almost 70% of the population. Violence, hunger and climate disasters, such as floods and prolonged droughts, have forced millions of people to flee their homes.

The conflict that began in Sudan in 2023 has increased the number of refugees and returnees arriving in South Sudan. Many of those who fled South Sudan to Sudan previously have returned to their home country, where basic services and opportunities for income are already poor while local communities struggle with limited resources.

The Finnish Red Cross supports the humanitarian work carried out by the South Sudan Red Cross with the funding of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the disaster relief fund.

With the support of the Finnish Red Cross, the South Sudan Red Cross has since 2025:

distributed cash assistance to 37,000 people
offered 20,000 people access to clean water
improved the health of 14,000 people by offering for instance first aid and distributing mosquito nets

How humanitarian aid has affected people’s lives in Bentiu

Nyanyt, 38: “I have five children. I am the sole provider for the family. I came back to seek safety and a new beginning in South Sudan. Before this, I spent years in Sudan. Life in Sudan was better, but I am grateful that I have been able to return home. I run a company that sells tea. The cash assistance allows me to boost my company’s business. The revenue supports my family’s income and helps paying the children’s school fees.” Photo: Etelä-Sudanin Punainen Risti

People have gathered around a water point operated with a manual pump, holding yellow plastic canisters. One person is standing on top of the well and showing thumbs up.)

Nyaboth, 45: “I have five children. Our trips to get water used to be long and difficult. Sometimes, we would have to spend up to three days without water. Getting water is dangerous for women and girls. We faced the threat of robbery, assault and sexual harassment. Thanks to the new borehole well, we have more time to cook food, look after our children and secure an income. Safe water is now nearby, and I am very grateful about it.” Photo: Etelä-Sudanin Punainen Risti

People sitting next to a yellow building, and a person dressed in a Red Cross vest shows them photos and explains what is happening in them.)

Adol Bol Mayiik, 30: ”I have been a Red Cross volunteer since 2016. I have witnessed how the increased number of refugees and returnees, floods, lack of water and other risks affect our communities. I want to make sure that people know how to be prepared for risks. When people queue for cash assistance, I show them photos of how they can protect themselves and their families in the midst of disasters. This is my community. I am glad that I am able to save human lives by spreading information.” Photo: Etelä-Sudanin Punainen Risti

A person braiding the hair of a person sitting on top of a mat. A building made of clay is in the background.

Nyankuir Agiu, 25: “I am a mother of five. I had to flee my home region due to escalating conflicts. It was hard to get my children enough food, clothes and basic supplies. I did not know how to survive. I received cash assistance and used part of it to set up a barbershop. This allowed me to secure an income for me and my children. I feel strong and independent again. My life has improved.” Photo: Etelä-Sudanin Punainen Risti

Text: Minttu-Maaria Partanen

Communications Specialist

Development cooperation

We help the most vulnerable people

Humanitarian aid

28.04.2026