Published on: 2026-08-20
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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20 August 2026 Peace and Security
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, which global media have been mentioning less frequently lately, is rapidly escalating. According to the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established by the Human Rights Council, the risk of large-scale atrocities is increasing as the renewed fighting in this African country spreads.
In the report published on Thursday, the Commission noted: “Multiple risk factors overlap… The window of opportunity to prevent a return to the level of violence seen from 2013 to 2018 is closing.”
Escalation before the elections
South Sudan is preparing for its first nationwide elections since gaining independence, but the political situation is rapidly deteriorating. The commission warns that rushing the vote without necessary security guarantees could exacerbate existing conflicts and increase the risk of mass crimes, including genocide and ethnic cleansing.
From August 2025 to January 2026, 407 ceasefire violations were recorded in South Sudan. Fighting broke out in the states of Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity, as well as in Western and Central Equatoria, where there are already civilian casualties.
The peace process is stalling
The provisions of the updated agreement on conflict cessation signed in 2018 have been fulfilled less than halfway. Its key point – the unification of security forces – has not been implemented. Instead, according to representatives of the Commission, the country is experiencing a “deterioration of the political, humanitarian, and human rights situation,” accompanied by an increase in political disagreements and violence.
Experts note the presence in the country of a significant number of risk factors for committing mass crimes. Among the key problems mentioned are the resurgence of armed conflict, weakening of state institutions, entrenched impunity for committed crimes, corruption, shrinking civil space, and hate-filled rhetoric.
Mechanisms that could reduce risks – monitoring of the ceasefire regime, independent judicial bodies, inclusive political dialogue – have been weakened or their work has been completely halted.
The commission also noted that the inclusivity policy in South Sudan is effectively rejected, and a significant part of the population is excluded from real participation in political life. Without genuine dialogue, elections can only deepen the division, experts warn.
“The law of the strong” instead of democracy
Commission Chair Yasmin Suoka emphasized that citizens who have waited 15 years for elections must have the opportunity to vote freely and in safe conditions.
“We must not allow the elections to turn into another arena of violent clashes,” noted Commission member Barney Afako. “The rattling of weapons has resumed, while measures ensuring peaceful political competition are being sidelined. This is an extremely dangerous trend.”
“Elections cannot be considered legitimate simply because they take place on schedule,” said Commission member Carlos Castresana Fernández. “They will be legitimate only if citizens can vote without fear, political opponents have the opportunity to compete freely, courts can resolve disputes independently, and state institutions can limit power.”
South Sudan once again found itself at a historic crossroads, the Commission members stated, urging the country’s authorities and international partners to urgently take measures to prevent a new cycle of violence.
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