WFP Issues Alert on $412 Million Funding Gap for South Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis
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Synopsis
The WFP has declared a funding shortfall of $412 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs of millions in crisis-hit South Sudan in 2025, highlighting the urgency of food aid and other support services.
Key Takeaways
- $412 million funding shortfall identified by the WFP.
- 9.3 million people expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
- Over 1.8 million remain internally displaced due to violence and climate disasters.
- 6.1 million facing acute food insecurity, projected to rise to 7.7 million.
- Conflict in Sudan exacerbates economic conditions in South Sudan.
Juba, March 5 (NationPress) The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a significant funding deficiency of $412 million necessary to address the pressing humanitarian requirements of millions affected by crisis in South Sudan in 2025.
The WFP emphasized urgent needs, including food and nutrition assistance for those impacted by the crisis, prepositioning supplies ahead of the rainy season starting in May, and logistical support services.
According to the WFP's recent report, "The nation continues to experience a prolonged humanitarian crisis characterized by persistent food and nutrition insecurity, aggravated by a significant economic decline and climate-related shocks."
The ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan has intensified the crisis, resulting in over one million refugees entering South Sudan.
The United Nations estimates that around 9.3 million individuals will need humanitarian support in 2025, an increase of 300,000 from the previous year, with more than 1.8 million remaining internally displaced due to violence and climate-related disasters like floods and droughts.
From December 2024 to March 2025, approximately 6.1 million people will encounter acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse, as per the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Projections suggest this number could escalate to 7.7 million during the lean season of 2025, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, the WFP pointed out that the conflict in Sudan has worsened economic conditions in South Sudan. Damage to Sudan's oil pipeline has hindered exports, leading to reduced foreign exchange earnings and a devaluation of the local currency.
South Sudan is facing numerous challenges, including subnational violence, economic instability, and food insecurity, driving millions of families into unprecedented humanitarian, economic, and political vulnerability, the agency cautioned.
The WFP is an international entity within the United Nations dedicated to providing food assistance globally. As the world's largest humanitarian organization and a leading provider of school meals, WFP was established in 1961, headquartered in Rome, with offices in 87 countries. In 2023, it assisted over 152 million individuals across more than 120 nations and territories.
