The United States Embassy in South Sudan has strongly condemned the continued targeting of humanitarian workers and the looting of relief supplies, following a recent raid by government soldiers on a World Food Programme (WFP) boat in New Fangak.
In a statement issued this week, the embassy described the September 7 attack by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel as part of a “worsening pattern of predation and rent-seeking” against humanitarian operations across the country.
According to the embassy, SSPDF troops stole food and relief supplies intended for civilians facing severe food insecurity. While the stolen goods were replaced on September 20, the embassy said the incident underscores a growing threat to humanitarian access, particularly by armed groups and officials in positions of authority.
“It is especially egregious because the individuals involved are entrusted with their country’s security,” the embassy stated.
The U.S. further urged leaders at all levels of South Sudan’s transitional government to prevent such violations and partner with international donors working to support the South Sudanese people.
The embassy also voiced increasing concern about the obstruction of humanitarian access in parts of Upper Nile State, where conflict-affected populations are at risk of famine. Humanitarian agencies, the statement said, have faced access denials from transitional government officials, preventing life-saving interventions.
“Urgent humanitarian intervention is required in these areas, and government authorities must facilitate access,” the embassy stressed.
The U.S. called on the South Sudanese government to immediately address the high costs and risks hindering aid delivery and to begin using public resources to meet public needs.
This includes ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access, paying salaries to civilian and security sector workers and supporting crisis response efforts for communities in need.
“We urge the transitional government to create conditions that will end the country’s humanitarian crisis,” the statement concluded.
The South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) is yet responded on the allegation against their forces.
South Sudan remains one of the world’s most food-insecure countries, with over 7 million people facing hunger and more than 2 million displaced due to ongoing violence and climate shocks.
