South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, has announced that over 10,000 people have returned to their homes in Nasir County following recent government-led food airdrops in the area.
The initiative comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation in parts of the country, particularly in Nasir and Ulang counties.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Hon. Atak said that the airdropping of food assistance in Nasir has resulted in the return of 10,000 people.
“These airdrops of food assistance have resulted in the return of more than 10,000 people to their homes, so the government of South Sudan will continue to provide assistance to these people,” Atak said.
Atak emphasised the severity of the displacement crisis, stating that approximately 120,000 individuals have been uprooted due to recent conflict in Nasir.
“Those who have been displaced are really suffering; they lack almost everything—houses, food, and access to healthcare.”
In response, the government has ramped up support in coordination with humanitarian partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP).
Atak noted the importance of joint efforts: “We are really grateful for what our partners are doing. We consulted with the WFP to ensure that while they cover one area, we cover the other. Access challenges have made it difficult for some partners, which is why the government had to step in.”
According to Atak, the government has also begun establishing healthcare services to meet the urgent needs of affected populations.
“We observed that health facilities are needed; that is why we also launched healthcare support, especially for the most vulnerable,” Atak said.
Atak added that the government would continue to provide non-food items, including shelter materials.
“We are aware of the dire situation in the area. That’s why we made it a priority to begin with the people in Nasir and Ulang. Later, we will expand to other parts of the Greater Upper Nile region.”
According to UNHCR, since mid-February 2025, the violence has led to the displacement of tens of thousands within South Sudan, with 50,000 people newly displaced within Nasir and 34,000 in Ulang.
Last month, the government launched an airdrop of 600 metric tons of food supplies for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the war-affected Nasir and Ulang counties of Upper Nile State following clashes between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO, which displaced civilians from their homes.
