Why Is the UN Delivering Aid by Air in South Sudan?
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has begun airdropping emergency food supplies to more than 40,000 people in South Sudan’s remote Nasir and Ulang counties, areas unreachable by road or river due to ongoing conflict. The deliveries mark WFP’s first access to these regions in over four months.
“These distributions mark WFP’s first access in over four months to deliver life-saving food and nutrition assistance to more than 40,000 people… in the most remote parts of Nasir and Ulang counties, areas only accessible by air,” the agency said in a statement.
Clashes between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar reignited in March, leading to fears of another civil war. The conflict has disrupted essential supply routes, especially the river networks that typically carry large-scale aid shipments into Upper Nile and northern Jonglei states.
How Bad Is the Hunger Situation in South Sudan?
The WFP reports that more than one million people in Upper Nile State alone are suffering from acute hunger. Among them, over 32,000 are already facing “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity. That figure has tripled since violence escalated earlier this year, forcing widespread displacement.
Nationwide, 7.7 million people, or 57 percent of South Sudan’s population, are enduring crisis, emergency, or catastrophic hunger levels. With river routes blocked and overland options limited, air deliveries are now the only option for reaching many of the most vulnerable.
What Support Is Still Needed?
The WFP is currently prioritizing food aid for the most at-risk 2.5 million people, but a significant funding gap threatens ongoing efforts. “The agency has appealed for $274 million to continue life-saving operations through December,” the statement added.
Without urgent financial support, millions could be left without food as conflict continues to displace communities and destroy access to basic resources. The WFP says the situation is dire and could spiral into famine if aid delivery is further delayed or restricted.
By Risper Akinyi
