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The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations in parts of northern South Sudan after a river convoy carrying 1,500 tonnes of food and relief supplies was repeatedly attacked and looted, the agency said on Wednesday.
According to a United Nations report released on Tuesday, the attacks come as violence rises in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, where clashes between supporters of President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar have displaced at least 280,000 people.
In a statement, WFP said a 12-boat convoy transporting essential food and non-food items from partners was attacked multiple times by armed youths, who looted the supplies overnight despite assurances from local authorities.
The agency confirmed it had suspended all activities in Baliet County until the safety of staff, partners, and contractors can be guaranteed and the government has recovered the stolen items.
“Attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable,” WFP added.
Joseph Deng, commissioner for Baliet County, told AFP that government security personnel had tried to protect the convoy after one of the boats was initially seized.
“The youth mobilised themselves again and came and attacked the 11 boats and took them all. The security forces that were present were overpowered and couldn’t protect the boats because the youth were all armed and shooting,” he said, describing WFP’s suspension of aid as “unfortunate.”
Deng emphasised that innocent residents should not be punished for the actions of a few individuals.
“We are ensuring this doesn’t happen again. We are also increasing the number of security forces to protect all humanitarian supplies,” he said.
Last week, WFP and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) criticised government restrictions on humanitarian access in Jonglei.
MSF was forced to evacuate one of its health facilities following armed clashes.
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with civil war, poverty, and widespread corruption, which continue to hinder relief efforts.
