The World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed that an estimated 162.54 metric tons of food assistance, intended to support 4,400 vulnerable people for three months in Mogok, was forcibly removed from a WFP convoy in Upper Nile State. This incident occurred during a recent river convoy operation in Ayod County, Jonglei State. The food assistance was part of a larger humanitarian convoy transporting supplies to communities facing acute food needs in the state.
According to WFP, the incident took place on September 29 when armed youth in Chuilbong assaulted and threatened two humanitarian staff members at gunpoint. The actions of the armed youth prevented life-saving food assistance from reaching government-controlled Mogok. The incident regrettably transpired in the presence of local authorities, despite extensive negotiations to secure safe passage for the river convoy from Chuilbong to Mogok and onward to Ayod South.
WFP reported that the remaining convoy team and assets, including personnel from its cooperating partner Action Against Hunger (ACF), were secured following the incident. The U.N. agency condemned the incident and called on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The U.N. agency noted that faced with persistent resistance and the inability of local authorities to guarantee safe passage or exercise effective control, and to ensure the immediate physical safety of its personnel, WFP instructed the convoy team to offload food commodities under duress. This decision was made to prioritize the safety of humanitarian personnel.
WFP emphasized the need for authorities to ensure the safe and unimpeded movement of humanitarian personnel and cargo. The agency stressed that aid workers are not, and must never be, a target, and they must be protected from violence, threats, and intimidation so they can safely deliver life-saving assistance to communities in need.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in delivering aid to vulnerable communities in conflict-affected areas. WFP's condemnation of the incident and call for respect for international humanitarian law underscore the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian personnel.
The WFP has reiterated its commitment to delivering life-saving assistance to communities in need, despite the challenges posed by conflict and insecurity. The agency continues to work with its partners to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in South Sudan.
Key points
- 162.54 metric tons of food assistance was forcibly removed from a WFP convoy in Upper Nile State.
- The incident occurred on September 29 when armed youth assaulted and threatened humanitarian staff members at gunpoint.
- WFP has called on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.
