WFP Condemns Security Incident and Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid in Jonglei State

On 29 September, armed youth in Chuilbong assaulted and threatened two humanitarian staff members at gunpoint in order to block life-saving food assistance from reaching government-controlled Mogok. This incident regrettably transpired in the presence of local authorities and follows extensive negotiations to secure safe passage for the river convoy from Chuilbong to Mogok (Ayod North) and onward to Ayod South.

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.

An estimated 162.54 metric tons (MT) of food assistance – intended to feed 4,400 vulnerable people for three months in Mogok - was forced off the convoy. 

WFP confirms that the remaining team and assets, including personnel from cooperating partner Action Against Hunger (ACF) and an estimated 291.48 MT of food assistance allocated for Ayod South were secured and safely returned to Malakal on 2 October without further incident. 

WFP calls on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure the safe and unimpeded movement of humanitarian personnel and cargo. Aid workers are not, and must never be, a target. They must be protected from violence, threats and intimidation so they can safely deliver life-saving assistance to communities in need.

#                 #                   #

About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of weather extremes.

Follow us on X, via @wfp and @WFP_SouthSudan