US embassy accuses South Sudanese army of looting humanitarian aid

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US embassy in South Sudan on Tuesday accused government soldiers of raiding a World Food Program boat and stealing humanitarian aid intended for civilians suffering from severe food insecurity, calling it part of a growing pattern of “predation” by armed groups.

In a statement issued from the capital Juba, the embassy said personnel from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces carried out the raid on Sept. 7 in New Fangak, seizing food and other supplies meant for vulnerable communities.

Noting the stolen goods were replaced on Sept. 20, the statement said: “This reflects a worsening pattern of looting and rent-seeking directed against assistance activities in South Sudan by armed groups and individuals in positions of authority.”

“It is especially egregious because the individuals involved are entrusted with their country’s security,” it added.

The embassy called on South Sudanese leaders to halt interference with aid operations, warning that ongoing access denials — particularly in famine-risk areas of Upper Nile State — are obstructing the delivery of life-saving assistance.

Anadolu was unable to obtain an immediate response from army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.