The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for all parties in South Sudan to cease hostilities, reduce tensions, and allow secure passage for humanitarian aid, as violence intensifies in Jonglei State and threatens food supplies for hundreds of thousands.

South Sudan faces widespread food insecurity, with millions at risk in 2026. WFP aims to assist 3.3 million of the most at-risk people through emergency rations, nutrition programmes, school feeding initiatives, livelihood support, and cash transfers.

The agency made its request call on X: “WFP is calling on all parties to urgently de-escalate and allow for the safe delivery of life-saving food assistance… Without action, entire communities will be left beyond the reach of the vital assistance they require.”

Rising conflict threatens hunger crisis

In a statement on January 30, 2026, WFP warned that the surge in fighting could force many of Jonglei’s two million residents from their homes in search of safety and sustenance.

Nearly 60 percent of the population is projected to face severe hunger during the upcoming lean season, when food scarcity peaks.

“This surge in fighting is happening at the most critical moment,” said Adham Effendi, WFP’s acting Country Director in South Sudan.

“We are running out of time to assist those in greatest need. All sides must prioritise civilian protection, safeguard aid workers, and permit the uninterrupted flow of essential support.”

The coming months are critical for stockpiling food and supplies in remote areas ahead of the lean period from April to July, when torrential rains typically make major roads impassable.

Authorities have yet to approve operations for WFP-coordinated road convoys or United Nations Humanitarian Air Service flights serving the broader aid community.

Displacement and restricted access

Recent reports indicate that up to 260,000 people have been displaced in Jonglei in January alone, worsening an already severe crisis. Movement restrictions have grounded medical evacuations and delayed deliveries of life-saving aid, according to UN updates.

Effendi emphasised the urgency of lifting these barriers: “We must lift these barriers without delay to enable effective aid distribution. With unrestricted access, WFP stands ready with the resources and personnel to support the hardest-hit families. The lives of hundreds of thousands hang in the balance.”

Government forces are reported to be advancing against opposition-held areas, with accusations that access denials target regions controlled by rival groups.

Humanitarian organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have criticised the restrictions, warning that continued blockages could prove fatal for vulnerable patients.