South Sudan’s Unity State, a region heavily dependent on oil production, is grappling with the combined effects of climate change-induced flooding and environmental pollution. Since 2021, unprecedented floods have submerged large parts of the state, including over 40% of its oil extraction infrastructure, exacerbating water contamination and public health risks for local residents.
Floods and Displacement in Bentiu
Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, has become a refuge for more than 140,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to ongoing conflict. The Protection of Civilians (POC) camp, managed by UN agencies such as IOM, UNHCR, and UNICEF, now resembles a permanent settlement surrounded by floodwaters that have yet to recede fully.
Residents rely heavily on fishing for sustenance, but many fish caught near oil fields are visibly contaminated. Simon Gatkuoth, a camp resident, notes that fish soup often smells like penicillin, signaling pollution from submerged oil wells. Despite health concerns, the lack of alternatives forces communities to consume potentially toxic food sources.
Oil Pollution and Environmental Negligence
Unity State produces over 90% of South Sudan’s oil, a critical revenue source. However, the floods have mobilized contaminants from more than 150 submerged oil wells, spreading toxic hydrocarbons and heavy metals into local waterways. Research led by Bul Duot Kuer from Kenyatta University detected lead levels nearly double WHO guidelines and hydrocarbon concentrations five times above safe limits.
Communities in settlements like Rotriak face severe pollution, with residents using untreated water contaminated by oil residues for drinking and washing. Anna Nyashing Bul recounts frequent illnesses in her family linked to the black film on the water’s surface.
Health Impacts and Calls for Action
Medical staff at Bentiu State Hospital report rising cases of birth defects, miscarriages, and complicated deliveries, particularly among mothers living near oil fields. Newborns with visible malformations have become more common, though comprehensive studies linking these health issues to pollution remain limited.
Ayen Mijok Kiir, First Deputy Speaker of South Sudan’s Council of States, has been a vocal advocate for environmental accountability. She highlights how ongoing conflict and resource constraints have sidelined environmental and public health priorities, despite evidence of pollution and its impacts.
While President Salva Kiir authorized investigations into the pollution’s health effects in 2024, progress has stalled amid persistent insecurity and limited infrastructure for environmental monitoring.
Looking Ahead
South Sudan faces a complex challenge: addressing climate change effects, environmental contamination, and public health crises amid ongoing conflict and economic hardship. Without urgent intervention to improve water management, enforce environmental regulations, and support affected communities, the long-term consequences for Unity State’s ecosystems and residents could be dire.
