By Matik Kueth
The Relief Organization for South Sudan (ROSS) has raised an urgent alarm over the potential manipulation and weaponization of humanitarian aid in Upper Nile State, warning that aid meant to save lives shouldn’t be used as a tool of coercion.
This follows disturbing reports alleging that the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) conducted airdrops of food to conflict-affected areas, notably Nasir and Ulang counties, on May 23, 2025.
The distribution by UPDF aircraft, which began as part of humanitarian efforts, generated concerns about uncoordinated, opaque food drops, questioning the motivation behind the operations as well as the safety of the aid being delivered.
In a statement, Kech Nguoth Tiem, Acting Chairperson of ROSS, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the food airdropped “not as aid but as tools of coercion and potential crimes against civilians.”
“Following documented instances of massacres against civilians in Nasir, Ulang, Fangak, and Longechuk, the UPDF and SSPDF have initiated airdrops of food in these areas, raising serious concerns about potential contamination,” Tiem said.
He condemned such actions, noting that civilians who previously fled Nasir and Ulang due to aerial attacks are now being coerced to return to collect the distributed food.
“Civilians who previously fled the locations are now convinced to return and collect the government-distributed food, under threat of further aerial bombardment. Such tactics are deeply troubling and, a potential crime against humanity,” he stated.
Tiem called for urgent investigations and humanitarian responses, emphasizing the need to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate these allegations.
“We urge the establishment of a fact-finding team to investigate alleged human rights abuses perpetrated by the UPDF and SSPDF, including the use of chemical weapons and the obstruction of humanitarian aid,” he stressed.
He also appealed to the displaced people in Nasir and Ulang counties to be caution regarding the food drops.
“Displaced persons are strongly advised to refrain from consuming the aforementioned food, which may be a tactic to lure and endanger innocent individuals,” he urged.