The United Nations World Food Program (UN-WFP) has revealed plans on Wednesday to shut down its field office in the capital of Eastern Equatoria State, Torit, citing donor constraints as the primary reason for the decision.

The announcement came after a high-level delegation from WFP arrived in Torit to hold discussions with state leadership regarding the closure of the field office.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the WFP Representative and Country Director in South Sudan, elaborated on the decision, stating, “The Executive Board of WFP had approved a new strategic plan last year aimed at focusing our operations on the most affected areas, driven by limitations in donor funding.”

Despite the closure of the Torit Field Office, McGroarty reassured the public that WFP’s commitment to providing aid and services to those in need across Eastern Equatoria State would continue. She emphasized, “Even if our physical presence is no longer visible in Torit, we remain committed to the Eastern Equatoria State, advocating for essential assistance to promote well-being, prosperity, and development.”

McGroarty also detailed WFP’s strategic approach, saying, “Our new country strategic plan, developed in collaboration with the national government, prioritizes areas facing the most severe food insecurity. However, we are facing significant resource and funding constraints, given the reduced food production in South Sudan. We must adapt our operations to protect the most vulnerable populations.”

Eastern Equatoria State Minister for Information and Communication, Elia John Ahaji, confirmed the closure of WFP’s Torit Field Office and appealed to the organization to continue supporting the state. He acknowledged the impact of global crises on donor support, saying, “The Ukrainian war, the Libyan crisis, the Morocco issue, and the Sudan war have constrained donors. We urge WFP to continue assisting progressive farmers to increase food production for local markets.”

Betty Loki, an Eastern Equatoria State women activist, expressed concern over the closure announcement, emphasizing the ongoing severe hunger in the region. She urged citizens to prioritize agriculture to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid, stating, “WFP should reconsider closing their Field Office in Torit this year. People here are still facing acute hunger, and we haven’t seen adequate support yet. Eastern Equatoria State currently is experiencing severe hunger, people have cultivated but their farms did not produce good yields.”

She emphasized the dire situation, saying, “Without the WFP support in the Torit Hospital regarding provision of porridge, there is nothing in the store to continue with the porridge program.

“It will be bad if they close. They have to continue with their support until when people have cultivated and produced good yields. They should monitor if there is good harvest or not,” Betty explained as she underlined the importance of ongoing assistance.