WFP Condemns Aid Convoy Attack in Jonglei State

(JUBA) – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned a security incident in Jonglei State that disrupted the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Ayod County.

In a News release extended to Access Radio News Room on Monday Evening, WFP said, armed youth in Chuilbong assaulted and threatened two humanitarian workers at gunpoint on 29 September while attempting to block a river convoy carrying food assistance to Mogok in Ayod North.

The agency said the incident occurred despite extensive negotiations aimed at securing safe passage for the convoy from Chuilbong to Mogok and onward to Ayod South. The confrontation reportedly took place in the presence of local authorities.

Due to continued resistance and the inability of local authorities to guarantee the safety of humanitarian personnel, WFP directed the convoy team to offload food supplies under duress to protect staff from further danger.

As a result, approximately 162.54 metric tonnes of food assistance intended to support 4,400 vulnerable people in Mogok for three months was forcibly removed from the convoy.

WFP confirmed that the remaining humanitarian team and assets, including personnel from Action Against Hunger (ACF), were safely evacuated. The convoy, carrying an additional 291.48 metric tonnes of food assistance destined for Ayod South, returned safely to Malakal on 2 October without further incident.

The humanitarian agency called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure the safe and unhindered movement of humanitarian workers and relief supplies.

WFP stressed that aid workers must never be targeted and should be protected from violence, threats, and intimidation so they can continue delivering life-saving assistance to communities in need.

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing humanitarian operations in parts of South Sudan, where thousands of vulnerable people rely on aid for survival.

WFP noted that it remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities across the country. The agency described itself as the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, saving lives during emergencies and using food assistance to help build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the effects of extreme weather conditions.

The organisation reiterated its call for the protection of humanitarian workers and unimpeded access to communities in need to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations.