The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily suspended its food assistance and logistics operations in Upper Nile State, particularly in Baliet County, following a series of security incidents along river supply routes.
According to the agency, boats transporting food and other humanitarian supplies on behalf of aid partners have been repeatedly attacked by unknown armed groups operating along the river. These incidents have severely disrupted supply missions to Upper Nile, forcing WFP to halt river-based operations due to growing safety concerns.
WFP has further alleged that armed youth were responsible for several of the attacks, reporting that around 12 boats carrying food assistance and essential humanitarian supplies were looted. The escalating violence has raised serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian staff and the continued deterioration of security conditions along the river corridors.
The organisation has called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and assets, stressing that the safety of aid personnel is critical to maintaining life-saving operations.
In response, the South Sudanese government has pledged to recover the stolen food commodities taken in Baliet County and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting humanitarian workers. These assurances come amid significant challenges in conflict-affected areas, particularly in northern Jonglei State and the Eastern Equatoria region, where ongoing fighting has reportedly displaced hundreds of civilians.
