The United States has called on South Sudan’s leaders and all parties to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, prevent further attacks on aid workers, and hold those responsible for such incidents accountable.
The call comes amid concerns over the safety of humanitarian personnel and the disruption of aid delivery to vulnerable communities that depend on food assistance for survival.
In a press statement, the U.S. Embassy strongly condemned the September 29 armed assault on World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian workers in Jonglei State and the forced offloading of food supplies intended to feed nearly 20,000 people in need.
“This attack is another example of armed actors preying on humanitarian assistance at the expense of South Sudan’s most vulnerable people. Humanitarian workers must never be targets,” the statement said.
The embassy also described South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis as man-made, urging the country’s leaders to use public revenue to provide essential services for the population.
The United States reiterated the need to protect humanitarian workers, ensure aid reaches those in need without interference, and hold perpetrators accountable.