Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, cases in South Sudan have been increasing drastically. This has prompted the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to make donations of cash and sanitising products to support the government in fighting the pandemic.
The Executive Chairman of the AEC, NJ Ayuk, stated, ‘It is our wish at the Chamber that our contribution will support the laudable ongoing efforts of the government of South Sudan to respond to the pandemic. This ongoing pandemic goes beyond the oil sector only and we are calling for much broader support for South Sudan, its workers, and its refugees. Short-term relief is critical to the country, especially when it comes to alleviating the economic pain caused by the pandemic and felt throughout the country’.
The donation was received by the undersecretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, who will in turn coordinate the relief activities with the Ministry of Health.
The ongoing pandemic and the crash in oil prices have slowed the good progress that was made by the peace agreement signed by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. However, economic stability and development remain critical to ensuring successful and long-lasting peace, and the ongoing crisis gives an opportunity to address the fundamental vulnerabilities of the country’s economy. Politicians, energy stakeholders, and the international investment community have been urged to come together to think about adopting the right approach to ensure a sustainable recovery post Covid-19.
Source: Africa News
Photo source: Prachatai
