(JUBA) – Japan’s senior diplomat in South Sudan has urged all parties to end violence and allow unrestricted access for humanitarian workers, warning that the country’s growing crisis cannot be addressed without lasting peace.
Chargé d’Affaires Oyama Hiromonto made the appeal in Juba on Wednesday during the announcement of a $3.2 million (approximately 14.72 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the official rate of $1 = 4,600 SSP) contribution to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The funding is aimed at tackling severe food insecurity and boosting agricultural development in the country.
| Contributor | Amount (USD) | Equivalent (SSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Japan | $3,200,000 | 14,720,000,000 SSP |
“This support shows Japan’s commitment to work with the people of South Sudan, with a focus on food security and agricultural development,” said Hiromonto, noting that the funds would help sustain life saving food deliveries to the most vulnerable communities.
He warned, however, that the effectiveness of aid operations depends heavily on conditions on the ground. Ongoing conflict, restricted movement and insecurity in several regions have made it difficult for humanitarian agencies to reach communities in urgent need.
“Humanitarian assistance can only be effective if there is an end to hostilities and if relief workers can reach affected populations without obstruction,” he said.
South Sudan is currently facing a combination of crises, including violent conflict in parts of the country, severe seasonal flooding, rising levels of hunger, and a growing cholera outbreak in several regions. The WFP estimates that millions of people are in need of urgent food and nutrition support.
According to recent reports, humanitarian access has been hindered by both insecurity and poor infrastructure. Aid convoys have faced delays and attacks in some areas, raising concerns among donors and international partners about the safety of personnel and the efficiency of aid delivery.
| Current Challenges | Impact on Humanitarian Aid |
|---|---|
| Armed conflict | Blocks access to remote areas |
| Flooding | Destroys roads, isolates communities |
| Cholera outbreak | Increases medical and logistical needs |
| Insecurity for aid workers | Slows or halts delivery of assistance |
Hiromonto’s remarks come amid growing international pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to implement the peace agreement and ensure free movement for humanitarian missions. The transitional government, formed in 2020 following the 2018 peace accord, has yet to fully address the issues of disarmament, unified security forces and election readiness.
Japan’s donation will support WFP activities aimed at stabilising food supply chains and providing support to farmers in addition to emergency food assistance. The support aligns with Japan’s long-standing development partnership with South Sudan, which includes past contributions to education, health, and water infrastructure.
The United Nations and its partners have repeatedly warned that without improved humanitarian access and political stability, South Sudan could face worsening conditions in the coming months, especially during the peak of the rainy season.
Japan’s call adds to a growing chorus of diplomatic voices urging South Sudan’s leadership to prioritise peace and allow life saving aid to reach the millions who depend on it.
