In Juba, South Sudan, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended all activities in Baliet County following multiple attacks on its river convoy in Upper Nile State. Between January 30 and February 1, a 12-boat convoy carrying over 1,500 metric tons of essential food and non-food items for partners was attacked and looted by armed youth. These incidents occurred despite prior security assurances from local authorities, and the WFP has called on all parties to respect humanitarian operations and protect staff, partners, and resources.
The attacks highlight broader security challenges in South Sudan. In Jonglei State, vital humanitarian infrastructure, including warehouses and health facilities in Akobo, Ayod, Nyirol, and Uror, has also been damaged by clashes between government forces and opposition groups. These disruptions have forced the WFP to pause plans to preposition 12,000 metric tons of food in Jonglei ahead of the rainy season, jeopardizing its ability to reach more than 4.2 million vulnerable women, men, and children.
WFP’s work in South Sudan encompasses life-saving emergency food, nutrition, school meals, resilience support, and cash-based assistance. The organization stressed that attacks on humanitarian operations are unacceptable and threaten the delivery of essential aid to communities already affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related crises.
The World Food Programme is the largest humanitarian organization globally, providing emergency food assistance while supporting long-term recovery and stability for populations affected by conflict, disasters, and climate impacts.
