In February 2025, humanitarian operations in South Sudan faced 25 access challenges due to active conflicts, bureaucratic barriers, and violence targeting aid personnel. The situation, particularly severe in Nasir County, led to staff relocations and disrupted humanitarian services. Instances of violence and bureaucratic demands further hindered vital aid delivery, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions amid the upcoming rainy season.
In February 2025, humanitarian partners in South Sudan experienced 25 documented access challenges, which included active conflicts among armed groups, bureaucratic obstacles, and violence directed at humanitarian personnel, facilities, and assets. These issues hinder the provision of lifesaving services, especially with the imminent rainy season that complicates the transportation of essential supplies necessary for delivering critical services amidst impassable roads.
Nasir County, located in Upper Nile State, has been marred by conflicts between militia and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), leading to significant displacement, loss of life, property destruction, and interruptions in humanitarian services. In February alone, 23 humanitarian staff members were relocated from Nasir, Mandeng, Jikmir, and Ulang due to these disturbances.
Incidents targeting humanitarian personnel and resources have also been reported in Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria. Humanitarian workers faced various violent acts, such as ambushes, attacks, intrusions, looting, and armed robberies. Specifically in Jonglei state, armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) killed two security guards at an OXFAM warehouse in Motot and subsequently looted food supplies. Furthermore, two shooting incidents on 26 and 27 February escalated concerns for road safety, targeting a humanitarian convoy and a UN contractor. On 12 February, suspects from the SSPDF detained a boat contracted by the United Nations at a river checkpoint, causing delays in delivering humanitarian provisions from Malakal to Baliet.
Bureaucratic obstacles also pose significant challenges in Renk County, Upper Nile State, where an international non-governmental organization (INGO) was asked to pay a $1,500 registration fee by local labor officers, a reflection of ongoing irregular levies burdening aid agencies financially and administratively. In Aweil East County, on 14 February, security forces restricted vehicle movement, thwarting a planned INGO mission to reach Wedwel. Ongoing bureaucratic complications, coupled with rising security concerns, persist in impairing humanitarian initiatives and delaying essential aid delivery to affected populations.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with multiple challenges affecting access to vital services. Ongoing conflicts, bureaucratic hurdles, and security issues significantly hinder the operations of humanitarian agencies, necessitating urgent attention to ensure aid reaches those in dire need. With the rainy season looming, the need for prepared and reliable channels for aid delivery is critical.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
