In crisis-hit South Sudan, creative artisans are making affordable, durable sandals from discarded tires. In doing so, they are offering both a lifeline for consumers and a path to survival. As oil revenues dwindle and salaries go unpaid, demand for these rugged shoes has soared in cities like Wau and even the capital, Juba, where many are on tight budgets. Because of this, shoemakers like Emmanuel Achuil, who once served just a handful of customers monthly, now attract multiple buyers, selling each pair for around $4. Amid economic turmoil, with inflation and food insecurity affecting nearly 80% of the population, these tire-made shoes are seen as practical and long-lasting. Despite competition for materials and little government support, Achuil dreams of expanding his business and training idle youth, hoping to turn his craft into a broader opportunity for others.
AP
