Source: UN News: Wednesday, 04 February 2026 00:01 AM
The World Food Program (WFP) has appealed to all parties in South Sudan to immediately end the violent conflict, military activities, de-escalate tensions and deliver life-saving food aid to millions of people trapped in Jonglei province. Earlier, in a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had expressed deep concern about the increasing violence and its impact on the civilian population. According to the information received so far, the army has launched a major military operation against the opposition armed groups in South Sudan’s Jonglei province, due to which there is tension there and 1.8 lakh people have become victims of displacement. There are reports that the army has ordered civilians and humanitarian aid agencies to leave the areas affected by the military action. Tweet URL
The deteriorating conditions in Jonglei province are expected to affect the 2 million people living there, who may have to be displaced in search of safe shelter and food. 60 percent of the population is already expected to face crisis-level hunger in the coming days. The population of the country is about 1 crore 30 lakh, out of which 93 lakh people are in need of some kind of humanitarian assistance. Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the protection of civilians must be prioritized and humanitarian aid can safely reach populations in need. He urged the government of South Sudan and the opposition forces to take decisive steps as soon as possible to stop the military conflict and reduce tensions through inclusive dialogue. Emphasis on political solution South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but since then the country has been struggling with conflict and instability. In 2013, civil war broke out between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of former Vice President Riek Machar. After several years of ethnic violence, mass atrocities and a humanitarian crisis, a peace deal was agreed in 2018 under fragile conditions. Following this agreement, a transitional government was formed in February 2020, but elections have been postponed since then. The UN chief has appealed to all parties to focus on a political solution rather than a military solution, so that the path to credible elections can be taken. The situation is expected to deteriorate South Sudan in, world food program Adham Efendi, acting country director, said that this military confrontation has started at a very difficult time. Time is running out to reach vulnerable populations. It is important to organize food aid and relief supplies in advance to ensure food security for civilians during the harvest period from April to July. In 2026, WFP plans to provide emergency food, nutrition, school meals, cash and other assistance to 3.3 million people. At this time, due to heavy rains, it becomes difficult to reach humanitarian relief by road to women, children and men. In view of this, the UN agency has urged the local authorities to immediately allow safe passage, otherwise a large number of people may be deprived of necessary assistance.
