Humanitarian Aid Blockade in Nyatim, South Sudan: Government Denial Amid Escalating Conflict

After artillery struck Lankien in February, families fled to Nyatim, a swamp-surrounded settlement in Nyirol County, Jonglei State. MSF appealed for emergency aid on Feb 22 and March 3; both pleas were rejected and the military barred entry. The denial follows President Salva Kiir’s house arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, which reignited fighting and displaced thousands into Nyatim. MSF estimates about 30,000 people are now in Nyatim; in Chuil, over 1,000 children screened showed more than 50 % acute malnutrition. MSF expanded its clinic to 80 beds, while the World Food Programme has airdropped 415 metric tons of food to Chuil since March, citing security concerns for ground convoys.

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MSF head Yashovardhan said officials gave a “no,” forcing residents to eat leaves. WFP director Adham Effendi reported blockage of ground deliveries, prompting reliance on airdrops. County commissioner James Bol Makuei said access limits, called the 30,000-person estimate inflated, and warned against aid reaching opposition supporters.

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Opposition aid coordinator Gatkhor Dual accused Makuei of blocking assistance to “people who support the opposition,” especially near government-held zones, calling it aid weaponization. Makuei denied the claim, citing security risks and to prevent aid diversion.

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Thomas Nim said children arrived in Nyatim, surviving on leaves and roots. Koang Pajok reported families returning to ruined homes because “there was no food and shelter.” Gal Wai Tut, who arrived with his newborn, called an overhead aircraft “a surveillance plane,” fearing targeting.

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MSF cites roughly 30,000 displaced in Nyatim, while Makuei says the figure is exaggerated. The death toll from starvation is unverified; reports mention “dozens” of deaths but no official count. Information on armed groups near Nyatim remains scarce.

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• “It was a ‘no’ from local and national authorities and from the military,” — Yashovardhan, head of mission, Doctors Without Borders South Sudan

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• “Some of the most vulnerable, like the elderly and children, ended up in Nyatim because they couldn’t make it any farther,” — Thomas Nim, pharmacist

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• “People are returning to their homes,” — Koang Pajok, resident

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• “It’s a surveillance plane,” — Gal Wai Tut, recent arrival with family

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• “Makuei does not want aid to reach people who “support the opposition,” Dual said, especially when they are near government-held areas.” — Gatkhor Dual, opposition aid coordinator

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WFP will continue airdrops while seeking ground access. MSF urges the government to lift the blockade and allow convoys. International observers call for an independent review of aid-diversion risks and safeguards to protect civilians from starvation.

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