It is time for the parties to act and ensure that free access to humanitarian agencies and workers is implemented.
Despites several promises by both the government and the opposition respect the humanitarian agencies and their workers report of abuses continue to surface.
As conflict persist in some part of the country, it is high time for parties to allow humanitarian agencies to render services to the people without interruptions.
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. Years of instability, violence, and political rivalry have left millions displaced, food insecure, and dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Yet despite the scale of suffering, humanitarian access remains restricted in some parts of the country. All parties to the conflict must urgently restore and guarantee safe, unhindered access for humanitarian organizations.
Humanitarian access is not a political concession; it is a legal and moral obligation.
Under international humanitarian law, parties to a conflict must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of relief for civilians in need. Blocking aid, interfering with relief operations, or targeting humanitarian workers only deepens the crisis and prolongs instability.
Across conflict-affected states such as Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity, communities face acute food insecurity, flooding, and limited access to healthcare. Aid organizations struggle with roadblocks, bureaucratic impediments, insecurity, and at times direct violence.
These constraints delay lifesaving assistance and increase costs, reducing the effectiveness of already limited resources.
Restoring humanitarian access would not only save lives but also build confidence among communities and international partners.
It would signal a commitment to protecting civilians and prioritizing peace over political rivalry. Furthermore, enabling aid delivery helps stabilize local economies, reduce displacement pressures, and prevent further regional destabilization.
Leaders and armed actors must issue clear directives to their forces to respect humanitarian operations, protect aid workers, and remove administrative barriers that hinder assistance. The international community should continue to engage diplomatically, support monitoring mechanisms, and hold accountable those who deliberately obstruct aid.
The people of South Sudan have endured immense hardship. They should not suffer further because of preventable barriers to assistance.
Restoring humanitarian access is not merely an operational matter, it is a test of leadership, responsibility, and humanity.
Now is the time for all parties to act decisively and place the survival and dignity of civilians above political interests.