Fighting in Upper Nile and Jonglei states has surged in recent weeks, with reports of airstrikes, heavy clashes between opposition forces and national troops, and daily civilian casualties. UN agencies say growing insecurity is blocking lifesaving supplies at a time when hunger levels are rising and cholera treatment centres are overwhelmed by newly displaced families.

The worsening situation comes as the Revitalised Peace Agreement continues to unravel amid stalled reforms, deteriorating political cohesion ahead of planned 2026 elections, and increasing pressure from more than one million refugees fleeing the war in neighbouring Sudan.

The crisis deepened further this week when the World Food Programme (WFP) suspended all activities in Baliet County, Upper Nile state, following a series of attacks on a major food convoy.

Between Friday and Sunday, armed youth repeatedly targeted a 12‑boat convoy transporting more than 1 500 metric tonnes of food and relief items. Despite receiving prior security guarantees, the cargo was looted at multiple points along the river.

WFP said the suspension will remain in place until authorities guarantee staff safety and take “immediate steps” to recover stolen aid. “Attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable,” the agency said, urging all parties to respect aid workers and safeguard essential relief supplies.

Aid officials warn that the halted convoy is part of a wider deterioration in humanitarian access, especially in Jonglei, where fighting has escalated sharply since late December between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition
across several counties.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 280 000 people have been displaced since December, including 235 000 in Jonglei alone, many fleeing to areas with virtually no water, sanitation or health services.

–ChannelAfrica–