Published on: 2026-04-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
South Sudan found itself at a dangerous crossroads: an escalating conflict, mass displacement of the population, hunger, and lack of funding have pushed the country to the brink of catastrophe. This was stated at the Security Council by the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan Anita Kiki Gbeho.
The situation is worsening
According to Fletcher, the situation is rapidly worsening across all key indicators. “The conflict is escalating. The number of displaced persons is growing. Hunger is intensifying. Diseases are spreading. Attacks on humanitarian workers are increasing – meanwhile, funding is being reduced,” he noted.
Today, according to UN estimates, humanitarian aid is needed by two-thirds of the country’s population, but the response plan is financed only at 22 percent.
The conflict is escalating. The number of displaced persons is growing. Hunger is intensifying. Diseases are spreading. Attacks on humanitarian workers are increasing – at the same time funding is decreasing.
An especially difficult situation has developed in Jonglei state, where since the end of December more than 250,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, and over 110,000 have fled to Ethiopia. Violence is forcing humanitarian organizations to leave the areas, leaving people without vital assistance. In the town of Akobo, where humanitarian missions recently operated, warehouses were looted and feeding centers destroyed.
Fletcher gave specific examples of suffering among the civilian population. He told about a one-and-a-half-year-old child with gunshot wounds, about a woman whose house was burned down, and about a family forced to flee, carrying elderly and disabled people in their arms. “This is what happens when the parties to the conflict ignore their obligations to protect civilians,” he emphasized.
The situation in the healthcare sector is also critical: more than 1.3 million people have lost access to medical care after the closure or destruction of dozens of institutions in Jonglei state. Against this background, cholera and malaria are spreading.
Food situation
A separate alarm is raised by the food situation. According to UN estimates, more than 7.5 million people will need food assistance this year, and in a number of regions, an emergency level of food insecurity is already expected. Fletcher warned: if the situation does not change, his next report may already be about hunger.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, speaking at her first briefing in the new position, confirmed: political and humanitarian problems, as well as security-related issues, exacerbate the situation. “Political tension, rising violence, and humanitarian needs are increasingly interconnected,” she said.
According to her, in the recent period, the number of deaths and injuries among the civilian population has increased by 40 percent compared to the previous year. Almost 10 million people need assistance, and access to them is complicated due to lack of security and restrictions on the work of humanitarian organizations.
Resource shortage
Gbe also drew attention to the reduction in the Mission’s capabilities: due to a lack of resources, the operational potential has decreased by 25–30 percent. This forces the UN to reduce its presence and reconsider priorities, which could affect the protection of the civilian population.
Despite this, the Mission continues to play a key role – accompanying humanitarian operations, patrolling dangerous areas, and facilitating access to justice. However, as the presenter emphasized, the existing resources do not match the scale of the challenges.
World peace
Both speakers agreed on the main point: there is no military solution to the conflict. A political process based on dialogue and adherence to peace agreements is necessary.
Fletcher called on the Security Council to achieve unhindered humanitarian access, increase funding, and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
Gbezo, in turn, emphasized the necessity of the immediate cessation of fire and the initiation of inclusive political dialogue as the foundation for a sustainable peace.
“Humanitarian aid can save lives, but only peace can put an end to this crisis,” Fletcher summarized
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