Full Breakdown
South Sudan’s Food Aid Crisis Deepens Amid Influx of Sudanese Refugees
By Drooid · · How we work
Escalating Food Shortfall
Humanitarian agencies warn that more than one million vulnerable South Sudanese could lose life-saving food and nutrition assistance within weeks unless new resources are secured. In the Upper Nile’s logistics hub of Malakal, food stocks have fallen from roughly 10,000 metric tonnes a year ago to under 300 tonnes today. Weekly, about 3,000 refugees and returnees cross from Sudan into South Sudan, straining already limited supplies.
Background and Context
The war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 has driven a steady flow of refugees into South Sudan’s border towns of Renk and Pigi. Since the conflict began, more than 1.4 million refugees and returnees have entered South Sudan, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Arrivals often endure checkpoints, extortion and violence before reaching transit centres that were never designed for such numbers.
Data and Statistics
- WFP reports a current $86 million immediate funding gap and a $416 million shortfall over the next six months for its South Sudan response.
- The agency also cites a $258 million shortfall for the remainder of 2026.
- 7.8 million people—over half the country’s population—face high levels of acute food shortage; 2.2 million children are acutely malnourished.
- In August, the WFP and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that more than 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers were at risk of losing food assistance, with 240,000 of the most vulnerable expected to run out of rations by September.
Official Statements and Responses
He also highlighted “illegal checkpoints” that impede aid delivery across the country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that water, sanitation and hygiene services in Bentiu and Malakal are threatened by the same funding shortfalls, and that inadequate drainage could heighten flood risk during the rainy season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the other side, the government of South Sudan has to consider the issue of illegal checkpoints that prevent us from being able to get everywhere. We need to reach vulnerable people across the country.” — Peter Maker
- “Although I am able-bodied and qualified to work, insecurity prevents me from travelling for opportunities or farming safely outside, leaving us heavily reliant on the UN and aid.” — Peter Maker
- “I thought of moving from the border at Jodha to the transit centre to look for help.” — Zainab Musa
- “I entered South Sudan, and I have tried my best to hustle and earn some small job with the humanitarian organisations based in Renk.” — Al-Fadhul