Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State have raised alarms over worsening food shortages affecting inmates at Torit Central Prison.
A State Prison Service spokesperson, Agustino Angelo Akaro said the inmates are currently surviving on food brought by relatives.
“The conditions in the prison are bad due to the hunger that has lasted for two weeks. This shouldn’t happen to prisoners—they are already paying for crimes committed, and now they are suffering from hunger. Many rely on food from relatives, but others have no one to support them.”
Angelo confirmed that humanitarian aid has been vital in sustaining the facility, but insecurity has hindered access to farming activities that could support food production.
“No one has died of hunger, only sickness. We’ve received some help from humanitarian partners and well-wishers. But inmates can’t go out to the farm because of insecurity—civilians still carry weapons. The prison has support from SSRC, while the UN only provides medicines.”
He appealed to NGOs, faith-based organizations, and the Chamber of Commerce to extend support to the prison.
“I call on parents not to stop bringing food—even if someone has committed a crime, the food benefits many. NGOs like the Red Cross, Welt Hunger, Plan International, World Food Program, churches, and the Islamic Union must help save lives with food supplies.”
Torit Central Prison currently houses 331 inmates, both male and female, from across the state and other regions.
The state government reported that the prison used to receive food from the national government, but these supplies were stopped without prior notice. The situation is exacerbated by the broader food insecurity crisis in South Sudan, where millions are facing hunger.