Representatives from Japan, WFP, and government during signing ceremony in Juba on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 (Photo by courtesy)
JUBA — The Japanese government and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a 350 million yen ($2.2 million) agreement to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to vulnerable people across South Sudan, strengthening humanitarian support amid persistent food insecurity and humanitarian needs.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Juba on Wednesday, Mutinta Chimuka, WFP’s Country Director and Representative for South Sudan, stated that Japan’s $2.2 million contribution would enable WFP to provide food assistance to vulnerable communities nationwide.
“This contribution of 350 million Japanese yen, approximately 2.2 million US dollars, comes at a very critical time for WFP and the people of South Sudan. Japan’s support will allow us to provide critical nutrition assistance to nearly 40,000 women and children in some of the hardest-hit communities in the country,” Chimuka said.
She added, “The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains extremely difficult. More than 7.8 million people are facing acute food insecurity, and malnutrition among women and children remains a very serious concern.”
Since 2021, Japan has provided over $37.7 million to WFP’s operations in South Sudan, where more than 7.8 million people—over half the country’s population—face food insecurity.
William Chan Achuil, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, welcomed Japan’s generous support, stating it would help WFP provide nutritious food and address food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable people.
“We welcome Japan’s contribution while appealing to other partners and donors to join this effort and help prevent vulnerable people from being left without essential food assistance,” Achuil said.
“This contribution is more than financial assistance; it is a strong expression of the friendship and solidarity between the people of Japan and the people of the Republic of South Sudan,” Achuil affirmed.
Hiromoto Oyama, the Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan, emphasized the agreement’s critical timing, given that over 7.8 million people in South Sudan are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.
Oyama urged the transitional government and all parties to pursue political de-escalation through genuine inclusive dialogue, protect humanitarian personnel, and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout South Sudan.
“Severe funding shortages are threatening the continuity of essential nutrition services. Without urgent support, more than 222,000 children and pregnant and breastfeeding women could lose access to humanitarian assistance from October,” Oyama warned.
“Against this backdrop, Japan’s contribution of 350 million Japanese yen, or approximately 2.2 million U.S. dollars, will enable WFP to provide life-saving nutrition assistance to almost 40,000 women and children among the most critically vulnerable people,” he continued.
Oyama noted that this support reflects Japan’s commitment to human security, including protecting life, dignity, and the future.
He added that the assistance aligns with Japan’s Development Cooperation Charter on human-centered development, peace, and stability in Africa.
“International assistance cannot substitute strong national commitment. Food and nutrition security must be a national priority, properly resourced and sustained. This requires not only resources but also peace and safe humanitarian access,” he concluded.
