As the going gets tough in South Sudan, some artisans offer cheap footwear made from rubber tires
Wau, South Sudan (AP) – From Rwanda to Kenya, creating shoes from the tires thrown has long been a sign of local creativity.
However, in South Sudan, the creative work of such craftsmen is now fed by an economic crisis that leaves the government on the verge of bankruptcy, and Many people fighting to put food on the table.
As the oil revenues of South Sudan decreased, the government could not pay for months on time. The cash crisis affects everyone from soldiers to teachers, underlines economic difficulties throughout the country, and many of them seek ways to continue.
Some want cheap shoes, not in supermarkets, but in open markets where flip -flops and sandals are usually shaped by worn tires thrown as garbage.
Demand increases with the cost of living
In Wau, approximately 650 kilometers (400 miles) from the Juba capital of South Sudan, a shoemaker Emmanuel Achuil, works in the shadow of a tarpaulin main market of the town.
Achuil darkens for grappling with rubber, using a knife to carve the pieces of the tires thrown. Colorful belts are scattered around like a puzzle.
Achuil, who made five to 10 pairs a week, said that he and others have seen an increase in the demand that he and others say that he was directly related to the increasing cost of life in recent months. They say that shoes made of rubber residues have found a solid place in local markets confirmed in their demonstrations everywhere, even in open markets in Juba.
Two years ago, Achuil was receiving five to seven customers a month. He said, “Now he’s waiting for 20,” he said. Achuil’s shoes can bring $ 15,000 south -south -southern pounds or $ 4 $ 4, depending on the size and quality of finishing. In addition to their acquisitions, coarse -torn couples are praised for their durability.
Achuil said, “Even if things get worse – no food, no job – this doesn’t fail me,” Achuil said. “People always need shoes, especially cheap ones.”
Akol Majok Ring, a cattle guard from the state of Warrap, said that he discovered these sandals in March and immediately took a couple for him because they are good for cattle grazing ”.
“While moving with cattle all day, these sandals are perfect,” he said. “They are durable and very suitable for work.”
Food insecurity and inflation affect millions
South Sudanlı Pound has been under pressure since 2023, and its oil exports have been disrupted by the civil war in the neighboring Sudan occasionally lost its value against the dollar.
The economy has been decreasing mostly for five years. Political contest President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest for destruction, Riek Machar.
According to the World Bank, hyperinflation and widespread food insecurity affect approximately 80% of South Sudan’s 11 million people, the same number of people living below the poverty limit.
South Sudan depends on oil revenues to meet 90% of the government’s annual budget, but the damage filed from Sudan to the oil pipeline from Sudan earlier this year could not briefly export crude oil.
In the early June, the government said that exports should continue after repairs on the pipeline.
Many state employees are effectively free and unemployment is common, even if the prices of basic goods erupt. Leather shoes in the shops may seem luxury in these conditions.
Deng Akol Athuai, who has purchased Achuil for years, said, “The tire soles take longer,” he said. “I take a couple and lasts for a year or more. They are strong to walk especially on rough roads.”
Shoemaker hopes to expand his business and train others
26 -year -old Gabriel Bataku, who was unemployed in Wau, said the artisans “solve real problems”. They only need recognition and support.
Achuil has been doing shoes since 1996. Not officially trained. As a first year student, he took his skills while watching old men in his workshops on his way to his work.
It was much easier to find tires thrown in those days, cleared of garages or supplied through people throwing them.
But now, “more people do this job, so the material competition is high.” He said.
The government and others burned the lack of official support struggling to access the means of trading of craftsmen. He wants access to better equipment.
Despite the difficulties, he dreams of opening a suitable workshop to train others. He also hopes to expand his work to other towns in South Sudan.
“If I had a better cutting tools and a way to expand, I could have educated young people,” he said. “Many of them are idle in Wau. This skill can help them survive.”
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