Attacks Force WFP to Suspend Aid in Upper Nile

(BALIET COUNTY) – The United Nations World Food Programme has suspended all humanitarian operations in Baliet County, Upper Nile State, following a series of armed attacks on a river convoy delivering food and essential supplies to vulnerable communities.

The agency said the attacks took place between 30 January and 1 February, when a 12 boat convoy carrying more than 1,500 metric tonnes of food and non food items was repeatedly ambushed by armed youth along the River Nile, despite security assurances from local authorities.

In a statement issued on Monday, WFP strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as dangerous and unacceptable.

The agency said attacks on humanitarian workers and assets must not be tolerated and called on all parties to respect humanitarian activities and protect staff, facilities, and relief supplies.

WFP said it will not resume operations in Baliet County until firm security guarantees are in place to ensure the safety of its staff, partners, and contractors.

The agency also expressed concern over worsening security conditions in parts of Jonglei State, where recent clashes between government and opposition forces have damaged or destroyed humanitarian infrastructure.

It said warehouses and health facilities in Akobo, Ayod, Nyirol, and Uror counties have been affected, limiting access to life saving assistance.

WFP warned that growing insecurity and movement restrictions could reduce its capacity to support more than 4.2 million vulnerable people across South Sudan.

As a result, plans to pre position 12,000 metric tonnes of food in Jonglei State ahead of the rainy season have been temporarily suspended.

The agency provides emergency food and nutrition support, school meals, resilience programmes, and cash based assistance to millions of people nationwide.

WFP said it remains committed to working with authorities and communities to protect humanitarian space and ensure that aid reaches people affected by conflict, displacement and climate shocks.