Juba, South Sudan – In a stark reminder of the perils facing humanitarian aid in conflict zones, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended all activities in Baliet County following a brazen attack on its river convoy last week. The decision underscores the escalating security threats that are crippling aid delivery to millions in need.
The convoy, comprising 12 boats loaded with over 1,500 metric tons of vital food supplies and non-food items for partner agencies, came under repeated fire from armed youths between January 30 and February 1. What began as gunfire assaults escalated into nighttime looting by local community members in various parts of Baliet, despite assurances from local authorities for safe passage.
WFP’s statement on Wednesday highlighted the shocking lack of intervention from county administration during the plunder. ‘Even with security guarantees from the administration for safe humanitarian movement, the looting occurred unchecked at night,’ the agency noted, revealing deep fissures in local governance and protection mechanisms.
This incident has forced WFP to hit pause on all operations in Baliet County until the safety of its staff, partners, and contractors can be unequivocally assured. The agency issued a strong call to the government to swiftly recover the stolen relief materials, emphasizing that attacks on humanitarian personnel are utterly unacceptable in any circumstance.
‘We urge all conflict parties to respect the critical role of humanitarian workers and ensure the protection of facilities and resources needed to deliver aid,’ WFP pleaded. The broader context in Jonglei State paints an even grimmer picture, where ongoing clashes between government forces and opposition groups have devastated key infrastructure since December 2024.
Warehouses, health centers, and other essential facilities in counties like Akobo, Ayod, Nyirrol, and Uror lie in ruins, courtesy of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition. WFP warns that such barriers to access and open assaults on convoys could severely hamper its ability to reach over 4.2 million of the most vulnerable women, men, and children.
Compounding the crisis, persistent insecurity has derailed WFP’s plans to preposition 12,000 metric tons of food ahead of the rainy season in Jonglei. As famine looms and displacement surges, the international community watches with growing alarm, pressing for urgent de-escalation and robust safeguards for aid workers on the frontlines.