Story perspectives

South Sudan Blocks Aid as Malnutrition Crisis Deepens

4/29/2026

Summary

South Sudan Blocks Aid

South Sudan officials blocked aid shipments to Nyatim.
County Commissioner James Bol Makuei said aid could be stolen and rejected the 30,000-person estimate.
Pharmacist Thomas Nim fled Lankien on Feb. 7 with his family, reporting refugees were dying of hunger.
The World Food Programme airdropped 415 metric tons of food to Chuil since March.
Doctors Without Borders expanded its Chuil clinic to 100 beds, with over half of 1,000 screened children acutely malnourished.

Summary

Kenya Faces Shortfall

The 2026 response plan is under 15 % funded, leaving a $1.8 billion (KES 236 billion) shortfall.
Acting Agriculture Minister Lily Albino Akol said $25 billion oil revenue has not funded agriculture or health.
U.S. diplomat Charles Vetter warned $9.5 billion donor aid has not stopped the crisis.
Kenya hosts over 150,000 South Sudanese refugees, leading UN coordinator Noala Skinner to call for smart sanctions on conflict profiteers while protecting civilians.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, Sudan’s government blocked UN food convoys, a blockade that contributed to a famine that killed over 70,000 people. In 2024, the UN estimated 25 million Sudanese still needed aid as army and RSF blockades again restricted deliveries, prompting officials like James Bol Makuei to dispute figures and call for sanctions.

1 of 3

South Sudan Blocks Aid

South Sudan officials blocked aid shipments to Nyatim.
County Commissioner James Bol Makuei said aid could be stolen and rejected the 30,000-person estimate.
Pharmacist Thomas Nim fled Lankien on Feb. 7 with his family, reporting refugees were dying of hunger.
The World Food Programme airdropped 415 metric tons of food to Chuil since March.
Doctors Without Borders expanded its Chuil clinic to 100 beds, with over half of 1,000 screened children acutely malnourished.

1 / 3