South Sudan Faces Escalating Hunger Crisis Amid Funding Shortfalls
South Sudan is experiencing a deepening hunger crisis, with millions of people at risk of missing out on much-needed food aid due to a global humanitarian funding shortfall. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted the dire situation, emphasizing that the scale of suffering in the country remains largely underreported.
In recent weeks, the WFP has begun airdropping emergency food assistance in Upper Nile State, where rising conflict has forced families to flee their homes and pushed communities to the brink of famine. The situation is equally alarming across the nation, with more than 7.7 million people—half of the population—classified as food insecure by the IPC platform, a UN partner. Among them, over 83,000 individuals face "catastrophic" levels of food insecurity.
"The scale of suffering here does not make headlines, but millions of mothers, fathers, and children are spending each day fighting hunger to survive," said WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau following a recent visit to South Sudan.
Worst-Hit Areas and Ongoing Conflict
The areas most affected include Upper Nile State, where ongoing violence has displaced thousands and restricted access to relief efforts. Two counties, Nasir and Ulang, are particularly at risk of slipping into famine conditions. South Sudan, the world's youngest country, gained independence in 2011, which led to a brutal civil war that ended in 2018 through a peace agreement between political rivals. While the agreement has largely held, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks—especially in Upper Nile—threaten to destabilize the fragile peace.
The humanitarian emergency has been further worsened by the conflict in neighboring Sudan. Since April 2023, nearly 1.2 million people have crossed into South Sudan, many of whom are hungry, traumatized, and without support. The WFP estimates that 2.3 million children across the country are now at risk of malnutrition.
Progress Amid Challenges
Despite these challenges, the WFP has made some progress in delivering aid. This year alone, the agency has provided emergency food assistance to over two million people. In Uror County, Jonglei State, where access has remained consistent, all known pockets of catastrophic hunger have been eliminated. Additionally, 10 counties where conflict has eased have seen improved harvests and better food security as people returned to their land.
To reach the hardest-hit and most remote areas, the WFP has carried out airdrops, delivering 430 metric tons of food to 40,000 people in Greater Upper Nile. River convoys have also resumed as a key method for transporting aid in a country with limited infrastructure. A notable shipment on 16 July included 1,380 metric tons of food and relief supplies. The WFP’s humanitarian air service continues flights to seven destinations in Upper Nile.
Additional Pressures from Cholera Outbreak
A cholera outbreak in Upper Nile has placed additional strain on the humanitarian response. Since March, the WFP's logistics cluster has airlifted 109 metric tons of cholera-related supplies to affected areas in Upper Nile and Unity states.
However, the WFP can currently support only 2.5 million people, often with just half-rations. Without an urgent injection of $274 million, deeper cuts to aid will begin as early as September. "WFP has the tools and capacity to deliver," said Mr. Skau. "But without funding—and without peace—our hands are tied."
Looking Ahead
The situation in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for international support and sustained peace. As the country grapples with conflict, displacement, and a growing humanitarian crisis, the role of organizations like the WFP becomes even more critical. The path forward requires both financial commitment and diplomatic efforts to ensure that millions of people do not fall further into desperation.