The United States has strongly condemned the 29 September armed assault on World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian workers in Jonglei State and the forced offloading of food meant to feed nearly 20,000 people in need.
According to a press statement extended to this publication by the U.S. Embassy Juba on Monday, the attack is another example of armed actors preying on humanitarian assistance at the expense of South Sudan’s most vulnerable people.
“Humanitarian workers must never be targets,” the statement reads in part. “We call on South Sudan’s leaders and all parties to guarantee safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, prevent further attacks, and hold everyone responsible for such appalling attacks to account. The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is manmade.”
“We urge the country’s leaders to use public revenue to provide basic services for their people,” the statement added.
Attacks on humanitarian aid workers in South Sudan have surged sharply in 2026, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for relief operations.
At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors—overwhelmingly South Sudanese nationals—have been killed in 2026, already surpassing the total of 31 deaths recorded for all of 2025. More than 450 violent incidents, ambushes, and asset lootings against aid organizations were recorded between January and July 2026, more than double the number from the same period in 2025.
According to humanitarian agencies, out of an estimated 10 to 12 million people needing humanitarian assistance, over 7.5 million face severe acute food insecurity.
On 29 June 2026 in Jonglei State, an ambush along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut (Duk County) killed 17 people, including five humanitarian personnel from the John Dau Foundation returning from an Action Against Hunger training exercise.
Earlier in 2026, ongoing violence targeted healthcare facilities, field offices, and personnel in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity states (including incidents involving UNICEF-supported staff, IMA World Health, and MSF-supported sites).
Renewed Fighting and clashes between government forces and various armed or opposition groups have forced widespread aid relocations and cut off access to desperate communities.
National humanitarian staff and local contractors bear the brunt of the violence, often facing targeted ambushes and reprisals.
The United Nations, the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan, and Western diplomatic missions have strongly condemned the violence. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs has threatened the transitional government with potential sanctions and visa restrictions due to the failure to protect aid operations and mitigate risks.
The post U.S. condemns attack on WFP workers, aid theft in Jonglei appeared first on Radio Tamazuj.