Internally displaced people at the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Bentiu, the Unity State capital, peacefully protested the reported end of World Food Programme food assistance on Monday.
The protesters called on WFP to continue providing food aid, warning that vulnerable families could face worsening hunger as flooding and poor rainfall limit their ability to grow food.
Nyir Gatchang Puoch, a member of the camp management committee, told Radio Tamazuj that residents had been concerned since June about reports that only some community members would receive assistance, leaving others without support.
“The community went out for a peaceful demonstration to tell humanitarian partners working with WFP that, since June, they had been told only some community members would receive assistance while others would be left out,” he said. “The community says everyone is suffering, and those left without assistance wonder how they will survive. Flooding has affected the area since 2021, and there has been no rain, forcing people to cultivate far from home. Where will those left out go?”
Sara Nyadiet Kot, a resident of the camp, said displaced families had few alternatives because flooding had inundated large areas of farmland, while a lack of rainfall in 2026 had further affected cultivation.
“We will die in the camp if WFP leaves us,” she stated. “Flooding submerged our land, leaving vulnerable children, orphans, people with disabilities, and others with nowhere to go.”
“Although the food assistance is limited and often runs out early, we manage with what we receive,” Nyadiet added.
Another resident, Nyachiew Yak Chuol, appealed to WFP to continue providing food assistance, even in small quantities, saying flooding had left residents with no land to cultivate.
“Flooding has covered all available land, leaving us with nowhere to farm,” she said. “We appeal to WFP to resume assistance and continue supporting us, even if only in small amounts.”
The residents said continued food assistance was essential to help vulnerable families cope with hunger and the loss of farmland caused by flooding.
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