Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 11 hours ago
Map of the counties of Jonglei State – courtesy
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that worsening violence in Jonglei State is putting the lives of two million people at risk, with many likely to flee in search of safety and food.
The warning follows escalating fighting between government forces and the SPLA-IO in parts of Ayod, Nyirol, Uror, and Duk counties of northern Jonglei State.
In a statement released on Friday, WFP said nearly 60 percent of Jonglei’s population is expected to face crisis levels of hunger during the lean season between April and July.
The agency said the renewed fighting comes at a critical time, warning that the window to reach the most vulnerable communities is rapidly closing.
WFP said it plans to pre-position food and relief supplies before heavy rains cut off major overland routes.
However, it noted that the Logistics Cluster and the UN Humanitarian Air Service have not yet received clearance to move humanitarian convoys or flights.
The agency warned that without urgent action, entire communities could be cut off from life-saving assistance.
WFP called for the immediate lifting of restrictions to allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers, warning that failure to do so would put hundreds of thousands of lives at risk.
“This military escalation could not have come at a worse time. Our window to reach the most vulnerable is quickly closing. The time to act is now and we urge all parties to protect civilians, aid workers and allow the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance,” read in part the statement.
WFP said it plans to reach 3.3 million vulnerable women, men, and children across the country this year through emergency food assistance, nutrition support, school meals, resilience programmes, and cash-based aid.
However, the agency warned that without an end to the ongoing military operations, the humanitarian situation in Jonglei is expected to deteriorate further.
