Persistent violence in South Sudan is hindering the delivery of much needed food aid to thousands at risk of starvation in some areas, the World Food Programme (WFP) said.
The agency lamented that a peace deal signed in September aimed at ending hostilities between the warring factions has not been effective, affecting humanitarian efforts in the country.
South Sudan has been dogged by conflict since December 2013, sparked by a political feud between President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar.
Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup against his rule, accusations the latter denied but then went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions others, prompting the UN to rank the country as Africa’s biggest refugee crisis, coming third worldwide after Syria and Afghanistan.
The WFP has urged the warring factions to end their hostilities in order to enable humanitarian supplies to reach those affected.
The agency singled out Baggari in particular, located to the southwest of Wau city.
Machar is expected in Juba on Tuesday to take part in a national peace celebration organized by the government to symbolize the commencement of the new peace deal and a new dawn for the world’s youngest nation.
It is not clear however if he will make the trip to the capital.
