Humanitarian Access Challenges in South Sudan: February 2025 Overview

In February 2025, humanitarian access challenges in South Sudan included violence against aid personnel, bureaucratic obstructions, and active hostilities. Notable incidents occurred in Nasir County and Jonglei, hindering humanitarian operations and prompting relocation of staff. Bureaucratic fees and movement restrictions further complicated aid delivery. Immediate action is needed to ensure continuous support for affected populations, especially with the rainy season approaching.

In February 2025, humanitarian partners in South Sudan encountered 25 documented access challenges, primarily due to active hostilities among armed factions, bureaucratic hurdles, and violence directed towards humanitarian personnel and assets. These incidents severely obstruct the delivery of critical services, especially with the impending rainy season necessitating the prepositioning of vital supplies to maintain operations when road conditions deteriorate.

Notably, in Nasir County, Upper Nile state, clashes between local militia and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) led to significant displacement, loss of life, property destruction, and disruption of humanitarian services. Consequently, February witnessed the relocation of 23 humanitarian staff from areas such as Nasir, Mandeng, Jikmir, and Ulang to safer surroundings.

Humanitarian efforts have faced increased violence across Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria, as aid workers encountered ambushes, looting, and armed assaults. In Jonglei state, armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) murdered two security personnel at an OXFAM warehouse and looted food supplies. Additionally, two shooting incidents targeting a humanitarian convoy and a UN contractor further underscore the growing dangers associated with road travel in the region.

Bureaucratic challenges remain significant in Renk County, Upper Nile state, where an international non-governmental organization (INGO) was asked to comply with a US$1,500 registration fee imposed by local labor officers. This demand exemplifies a troubling trend of unauthorized fees that place undue financial and administrative strain on aid organizations. Furthermore, on 14 February, security forces in Aweil East County restricted vehicular movement, complicating travel plans for an INGO team aiming to reach Wedwel. Ongoing bureaucratic impediments and deteriorating security continue to obstruct humanitarian efforts, essential aid delivery remains significantly delayed.

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire due to multiple access challenges faced by aid organizations. With incidents of violence targeting personnel and property, as well as bureaucratic impediments increasingly commonplace, the safety and efficiency of humanitarian operations are jeopardized. Urgent measures are required to ensure the delivery of lifesaving assistance, particularly as the country braces for the forthcoming effects of the rainy season.

Original Source: www.unocha.org