South Sudan Displacement Crisis: WFP Urges Action Against Rising Hunger
Urgent Humanitarian Response in South Sudan: Airdrops Begin Amidst Escalating Crisis
WFP Airdrops Commence to Combat Severe Hunger
On June 30, 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) initiated critical airdrop operations in the eastern regions of Nasir County, South Sudan. This initiative aims to assist thousands of families who have been deprived of food aid for months due to ongoing conflicts and access challenges. The daily airdrop missions are set to deliver essential food and nutritional supplies to over 40,000 individuals grappling with extreme hunger and malnutrition in both Nasir and Ulang counties. In total, WFP plans to transport 700 metric tons of food by air—equivalent to a two-month supply—aiming to prevent families from falling into famine. Additionally, another 1,500 metric tons of food is prepared for delivery via river routes as soon as conditions allow.
- WFP Airdrops Commence to Combat Severe Hunger
- Devastation and Displacement in Upper Nile State
- Voices from the Ground: WFP’s Response
- Mary-Ellen McGroarty on the Urgency of Aid
- Refugees Fleeing to Ethiopia
- Personal Accounts of Survival
- Focus on Nutrition and Support for Vulnerable Populations
- Kudzayi Mazumba Highlights the Needs of Refugees
- Immediate Food Distribution Efforts
Devastation and Displacement in Upper Nile State
Since March 2025, violent clashes in Upper Nile State have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents, pushing many to the brink of starvation. Currently, more than 1 million people in the region are facing acute food insecurity, with over 32,000 individuals experiencing catastrophic hunger, classified as IPC5—the most severe level of food insecurity. This alarming figure has tripled since the onset of intense fighting and aerial bombardments, leading to mass displacements, including crossings into neighboring Ethiopia. Without a significant increase in humanitarian assistance, the counties of Nasir and Ulang are at risk of descending into full-scale famine.
Voices from the Ground: WFP’s Response
Mary-Ellen McGroarty on the Urgency of Aid
In a statement from Juba on July 3, 2025, Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the WFP Country Director for South Sudan, emphasized the dire situation: “The ongoing conflict has devastated livelihoods and displaced countless individuals, placing them at imminent risk of famine. The airdrops initiated in recent days are vital in mitigating this risk and helping families avoid starvation.”
Refugees Fleeing to Ethiopia
As of June 13, 2025, approximately 50,000 South Sudanese asylum seekers have crossed into Ethiopia, escaping the violence in Upper Nile State. These individuals are currently situated in border towns such as Matar and Muon, awaiting registration and necessary support.
Personal Accounts of Survival
Nyaguar Tor, an asylum seeker from South Sudan, recounted the harrowing experiences of fleeing conflict: “We faced bombings from helicopters, and many children lost their lives. We had no choice but to escape. Before the war, we relied on our farming, but now we are left with nothing.”
Another asylum seeker, Nyandow Wie Deng, shared her challenging journey: “Traveling from Nasir to Burebiay took me four days. Being pregnant made it difficult to move quickly, and I endured significant pain for the sake of my children. The stress of seeing them go hungry was overwhelming, and despite my efforts to gather firewood for sale, the situation deteriorated, leading to illness for both me and my children.”
Focus on Nutrition and Support for Vulnerable Populations
In Muon Town, WFP and its partners are prioritizing emergency nutrition assistance for the most vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under five years old.
Kudzayi Mazumba Highlights the Needs of Refugees
Kudzayi Mazumba, head of the WFP field office in Gambella, noted the dire circumstances faced by the refugees: “The majority of those arriving are women, children, and individuals with special needs, including the elderly. They have arrived with virtually nothing—often just a small bundle of clothing. Their situation is incredibly precarious, lacking food and shelter.”
Immediate Food Distribution Efforts
WFP and its partners are actively distributing High Energy Biscuits to meet the urgent nutritional needs of the most vulnerable populations, focusing on pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
