Urgent Call for Humanitarian Access in Jonglei, South Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to military operations in Jonglei State. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation to facilitate safe humanitarian access, which is critical for delivering food assistance to those in dire need.
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- The call comes amid rising tensions that threaten the safety of around two million residents.
- Nearly 60 percent of the population faces crisis levels of hunger during the upcoming lean season.
- WFP is urging all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and aid workers.
The Escalating Conflict
As the situation in Jonglei deteriorates, the risk of escalating conflict grows. Many residents may be forced to flee their homes in search of safety and sustenance. Adham Effendi, the acting Country Director of WFP in South Sudan, remarked, “This military escalation could not have come at a worse time.”
- The lean season, which runs from April to July, exacerbates the hunger crisis.
- Increased conflict could severely limit access to vulnerable communities.
- Efforts to pre-position food supplies are critical at this juncture.
Humanitarian Access and Logistics Challenges
Efforts by the WFP to aid those in need have been hampered by a lack of clearance from authorities to organize essential transport routes. Both the WFP-led Logistics Cluster and the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) are facing significant challenges in coordinating road convoys and passenger flights.
- Delays in securing humanitarian access could result in entire communities being cut off from aid.
- Effendi stresses the urgency: “With safe and unimpeded passage, WFP has the teams and capacity to reach the most vulnerable families.”
- Addressing these restrictions is vital for effective humanitarian assistance delivery.
Goals and Objectives for 2026
Looking ahead, the WFP aims to reach 3.3 million vulnerable individuals across South Sudan in 2026. This comprehensive plan includes emergency food, nutrition support, school meals, resilience-building initiatives, and cash-based assistance designed to alleviate suffering and promote stability.
- The WFP seeks to fulfill its mandate of providing life-saving assistance to those most in need.
- Collaboration with local authorities is crucial for achieving these objectives.
- Plans underscore the importance of timely intervention to avert further crisis.
For more information, read the original story from WFP here.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
