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The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended its operations in parts of northern South Sudan following attacks on a river convoy carrying 1,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid. The suspension affects Baliet County, where WFP said it would remain in effect until the safety of its staff, partners, and contractors is assured and the looted supplies are recovered.
Rising violence in recent weeks between supporters of President Salva Kiir and his long-time rival Riek Machar has displaced at least 280,000 people, mostly in Jonglei state, according to a United Nations report. WFP noted that a 12-boat convoy transporting vital food assistance and non-food items from partners was attacked multiple times by armed youth in Upper Nile state, another area considered a stronghold of Machar’s forces.
Despite assurances from local authorities, the convoy was looted overnight without any security intervention. WFP condemned the attacks, stating that “attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable.”
Last week, WFP and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also denounced restrictions on humanitarian access to Jonglei, with MSF forced to evacuate one of its health facilities due to armed clashes.
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing civil war, widespread poverty, and corruption, making humanitarian operations particularly challenging.