US Embassy Confirms Suspension of Aid in Jonglei

(AYOD COUNTY) – The United States has suspended foreign assistance to Ayod County in Jonglei State and is reviewing aid to Western Bahr el-Ghazal State following allegations of interference, exploitation and theft of US funded aid programs by South Sudanese officials.

The US Embassy in Juba confirmed the suspension in a statement on 8 January 2026, saying the review of aid to Western Bahr el-Ghazal may result in significant reductions. The actions follow reports of specific incidents involving local officials obstructing the delivery of humanitarian supplies.

On 2 January, the Ayod County Commissioner detained an aid worker who refused an illegal request to surrender assets belonging to a US assistance partner.

In Western Bahr el-Ghazal, the State Minister of Health has reportedly blocked the transfer of pharmaceutical supplies between two US aid partners since November, despite repeated requests to release the supplies.

The US Embassy emphasised that such actions constitute a pattern of misuse by officials at national, state, and county levels. It called on the South Sudanese government to hold accountable all officials who have interfered with aid programs.

The United States has provided over $9.5 billion in assistance to South Sudan since independence in 2011. In 2025, South Sudan received $949.8 million in US humanitarian aid, primarily through UN agencies such as the World Food Programme, with a portion distributed directly through government channels.

The suspension and review of aid could have serious implications for populations in the affected regions, where civilians rely heavily on international support for food, medicine, and basic services.

The US Embassy stressed that it maintains a zero tolerance policy for theft or diversion of life-saving assistance. “Today’s actions demonstrate US resolve to respond when South Sudanese officials exploit US aid instead of working in partnership to assist the South Sudanese people,” the statement said.

Western donor missions in Juba also reported that SPLM-in-Opposition forces in northern Jonglei issued orders for humanitarian organisations to surrender vehicles, a directive described as a violation of international humanitarian principles.

Since March 2025, clashes between government forces and SPLM-IO militias, particularly in Unity State, have contributed to insecurity and reports of looting of aid consignments.

UN agencies appealed for at least $1.7 billion in humanitarian funding for South Sudan in 2025 to meet urgent needs, but funding levels often reach only about half of requirements. The suspension of US aid adds further pressure on humanitarian programmes in affected areas.