South Sudan’s aid crisis deepens as food stocks run low

What Happened

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that over one million people in South Sudan face the loss of life-saving food and nutrition assistance by October due to severe funding shortages. In Malakal, Upper Nile state, WFP food stocks have plummeted from 10,000 metric tonnes last year to fewer than 300 tonnes. This crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan, with approximately 3,000 people crossing the border weekly. Since the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, more than 1.4 million individuals have entered South Sudan, placing immense strain on transit centres in Renk and settlements in Malakal.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is a direct spillover of the Sudanese civil war, which has disrupted supply chains and increased the cost of imports. The combination of climate shocks, such as drought and flooding, and the influx of displaced populations has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, threatening regional stability and the survival of both refugees and host communities.

Watch For

Monitor the October deadline for the potential cessation of food assistance and any developments regarding the removal of illegal checkpoints by the South Sudanese government, which the WFP identifies as a critical barrier to reaching vulnerable populations.