1.4 million people are in dire need of food assistance in the country, according to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The undersecretary in the ministry, Clement Taban Dominic, says the number might increase to 2.5 million if the war continues until the end of the year.

“If we don’t stop the war up to April, the number may increase to 2.5 million,” said Mr Clement.

He said the ministry has received some food assistance from Sudan and Ethiopia and delivered it to the three conflict-affected states.

He says hunger may affect the states affected by the conflict but not the whole country.

Last week, the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan said there is still a threat of hunger in the country.

“But there is nothing called ‘hunger in South Sudan’. It’s just a political report and we as the government don’t agree with that report because we should participate in making that report.”

Mr. Taban urged non-governmental organizations and humanitarian agencies to provide assistance to the people affected by the conflict.