(JUBA) – The South Sudan Red Cross has opened a new National Warehouse at its headquarters in Juba, a move expected to strengthen logistics management and improve the efficiency of humanitarian operations across the country.
The facility was officially opened during a ceremony attended by the leadership of the South Sudan Red Cross, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and partner organisations. The opening coincided with the farewell of Mohamed Babiker, the Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for the Juba Cluster, which covers South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
According to the South Sudan Red Cross, the National Warehouse will serve as a central storage and distribution point for relief supplies, supporting faster deployment during emergencies and improving coordination across its nationwide network. The organisation operates through twenty one branches, many of which rely on timely access to supplies during floods, conflict related displacement and health emergencies.
The new facility also includes a water yard designed to support surrounding communities, adding a service component that extends beyond the organisation’s internal logistics needs. SSRC officials say this investment reflects a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure that supports both humanitarian response and community resilience.
Before the farewell ceremony, Mohamed Babiker led senior officials in the formal opening of the warehouse. During his address, he described the project as an important step in strengthening the operational foundation of the South Sudan Red Cross and improving its ability to deliver assistance effectively.
Mohamed Babiker concluded a one year assignment in South Sudan, during which he provided strategic leadership supporting several institutional improvements within the SSRC. These included the establishment of the National Warehouse, improved internet connectivity across all branches, support for youth camps and volunteer development, and efforts to strengthen partnerships and organisational systems.
The Secretary General of the South Sudan Red Cross, John Lobor, reflected on long standing cooperation within the Red Cross Movement, noting that sustained partnerships had contributed to recent organisational progress. Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and partner national societies also acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration to maintain operational standards.
For South Sudan, where humanitarian logistics remain a critical part of service delivery in remote and flood prone areas, the warehouse is expected to reduce delays, improve stock management and lower operational risks. SSRC noted that investments in logistics infrastructure can have a direct impact on response speed and cost efficiency for humanitarian actors operating in challenging environments.
The South Sudan Red Cross said the warehouse would play a central role in future emergency preparedness and routine operations, supporting its mandate to assist vulnerable communities across the country.
Features of the SSRC National Warehouse
| Component | Purpose | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Central Warehouse | Storage and distribution of relief supplies | Faster national response |
| Water Yard | Community water support | Local community benefit |
| Branch Connectivity | Improved coordination with 21 branches | Better supply management |
| Partner Access | Shared logistics planning | Stronger coordination |
A press release by the Red Cross said the opening of the National Warehouse marks a significant operational milestone for the South Sudan Red Cross as it continues to build systems that support effective humanitarian service delivery in South Sudan.
