(JUBA) – The World Food Programme (WFP) has published its updated transport schedule for July and August 2025, outlining how it plans to move emergency humanitarian supplies across South Sudan. The plan supports ongoing responses to a growing cholera outbreak and worsening conflict-driven displacement, especially in Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Central Equatoria regions.
This logistics framework includes air, road, river, and barge operations. While all activities remain subject to access, weather conditions, and security clearances, the plan represents the most comprehensive effort in months to ensure food, health, and sanitation cargo reaches the country’s most vulnerable communities.
WFP’s air transport segment includes a DC-8 aircraft stationed in Juba, set to operate ad-hoc missions to Renk and Rubkona, primarily transporting health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) supplies for cholera response. Helicopter units based in Bor and Malakal are also prepared to deliver similar cargo to isolated areas such as Maiwut, Pibor, Mandeng, and Ulang, where road and river access remain limited or dangerous.
On the ground, multiple road convoys are scheduled across South Sudan, starting with the Juba–Western Corridor route through Terekeka, Yirol, Rumbek, Wau, Aweil, and Kuajok on 14 and 28 July. These convoys, which require trucks with a recommended 40 metric tonne capacity, offer weekly lifelines for remote communities. Similar convoys will travel to Central Equatoria on 15 July, and to Western Equatoria on 21 July. A separate convoy from Bor to northern Jonglei, including Ayod and Duk Poktap, is scheduled for 12 July, using smaller, specialised trucks of 20 metric tonnes.
The river transport section includes boats and barges operating primarily from Malakal and Bor, targeting high-need regions along the White Nile and Sobat River corridors. These efforts aim to reach conflict-affected areas such as Wau Shilluk, Kodok, Melut, Wadakona, Renk, and Old Fangak, depending on security clearance and river conditions.
Scheduled WFP Road Convoys – July 2025
| Date | Route | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 July | Juba–Terekeka–Aweil–Kuajok | 40 MT | Weekly |
| 15 July | Juba–Lainya–Yei | 40 MT | Bi-monthly |
| 21 July | Juba–Mundri–Yambio–Tambura | 40 MT | Bi-monthly (challenging access) |
| 12 July | Bor–Ayod–Duk Poktap–Pagaak | 20 MT | Weekly, specialised trucks |
Scheduled WFP River Movements – July–August 2025
| Date | From | To | Transport Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 July | Malakal | Wau Shilluk, Melut, Renk | Boat | Open |
| 21 July | Malakal | Atar, New Fangak, Juaibor, Tonga | Boat | Open |
| 26 July | Malakal | Sobat River Corridor | Boat | Open |
| 10 August | Bor | Wan Machar, Old Fangak | Boat | Open |
| 31 July | Malakal | Kodok, Wadakona, Renk | Barge | Submit by 26 July |
| 25 August | Bor | Adok–Renk via White Nile Corridor | Barge | Submit by 31 July |
All river operations are carried out under WFP’s On-Demand Service (ODS), with 50% cost sharing by the requesting organisations. The Logistics Cluster coordinates access but also encourages agencies to use commercial transporters if they prefer.
The ongoing cholera outbreak, which has infected over 75,000 people and claimed more than 1,300 lives since September 2024, has prompted the urgent deployment of health supplies. Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Abyei remain among the hardest-hit regions, and access to many areas is only possible by air or river due to flooding and insecurity.
The updated transport plan also signals the growing pressure on South Sudan’s fragile logistics network. With increased violence, road ambushes, and deteriorating infrastructure, humanitarian agencies are racing against time to reach affected populations before peak rains in August disrupt access further.
The Logistics Cluster has urged all partner organisations to submit requests and cargo clearance documents well ahead of deadlines to avoid delays. Priority cargo includes cholera response kits, hygiene supplies and food aid for communities facing famine like conditions.
For humanitarian partners operating in South Sudan, the transport network mapped out by WFP offers a critical chance to scale up life saving deliveries. However, the success of these plans will depend on security conditions, funding and timely coordination among aid groups and local authorities.
