Amid South Sudan’s spiraling violence, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been compelled to halt every program in Baliet County after armed assailants targeted its river convoy. The attack not only stole precious aid but exposed glaring security gaps in one of the world’s hungriest regions.
Details emerged Wednesday: a vital 12-boat convoy, hauling 1,500+ metric tons of food and partner essentials, endured gunfire barrages from armed youths over January 30-February 1. Local residents then looted the cargo under cover of night across Baliet locales, flouting promised safeguards from administrators.
WFP decried the absence of any protective action by county officials. Operations remain frozen until staff, allies, and vendors are fully secured—a move born of necessity in a lawless landscape.
The UN body pressed the government for rapid recovery of looted items and reiterated that targeting aid missions crosses every red line. Addressing all sides in the fray, WFP implored: ‘Safeguard humanitarian access and honor the lifesaving work of aid providers.’
The Jonglei flashpoint tells a tale of woe. Clashes erupting in December 2024 between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and opposition fighters have gutted infrastructure in Akobo, Ayod, Nyirrol, and Uror—warehouses vaporized, health posts shelled.
With 4.2 million lives hanging in the balance, WFP frets that convoy ambushes and access denials could unravel its support network. Insecurity has already nixed plans to stockpile 12,000 metric tons pre-monsoon in Jonglei, risking famine as isolation sets in. Stakeholders worldwide call for ceasefires and fortified protections to salvage relief efforts.