- JUBA, Sudan: The UN’s top humanitarian official says that Southern Sudan’s January independence referendum presents unprecedented risks and could create new humanitarian needs if violence flares.
The January vote could see the south break away from the Khartoum-based north.
Valerie Amos said Friday that Southern Sudan is at a critical juncture and that the coming months will define the fate of millions of Sudanese. Amos is responsible for overseeing all emergencies that require UN assistance.
Another UN official, George Charpentier, said more than $60 million has been committed by international donors for contingency planning. Plans include propositioning food and emergency supplies in case of violence.