South Sudan Braces for Humanitarian Crisis as Violence Escalates, Aid Efforts Hampered
JUBA, South Sudan – A fresh surge in violence is pushing South Sudan to the brink of a humanitarian disaster, with attacks on aid convoys, widespread displacement, and a collapsing peace agreement threatening to unravel years of fragile progress. The escalating conflict, concentrated in Upper Nile and Jonglei states, is severely hindering the delivery of life-saving assistance to a population already grappling with hunger and disease.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced Wednesday it had suspended all operations in Baliet County, Upper Nile state, after a 12-boat convoy carrying over 1,500 metric tons of food and relief supplies was repeatedly attacked and looted by armed youth between Friday and Sunday. Despite prior security assurances, the cargo was stolen, leaving the WFP with no choice but to halt activities until the safety of its personnel and partners can be guaranteed.
“Attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable,” WFP stated, urging all parties to respect aid workers and protect essential resources.
The attack on the WFP convoy is symptomatic of a broader deterioration in humanitarian access, particularly in Jonglei state. Renewed fighting since late December between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition has displaced an estimated 280,000 people, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Over 235,000 of those displaced are in Jonglei alone.
Many of those fleeing violence are arriving in areas already lacking basic services like water, sanitation, and healthcare, significantly increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Humanitarian partners report at least seven aid facilities have been looted or damaged in Jonglei, with assets confiscated and aid workers intimidated, forcing the suspension of operations in multiple locations.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported its hospital in Lankien, Jonglei State, was bombarded by government forces on February 3rd, destroying the main warehouse and most critical medical supplies. One MSF staff member sustained minor injuries. The same day, the MSF health facility in Pieri was looted, forcing staff to evacuate, leaving approximately 250,000 people without access to healthcare.
The resurgence of violence comes as South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement continues to falter. Stalled reforms, rising political tensions ahead of planned 2026 elections, and the influx of refugees fleeing the brutal conflict in neighboring Sudan are all contributing to the instability. More than one million refugees have crossed the border from Sudan into South Sudan, placing further strain on already limited resources.
The escalating conflict is expected to dramatically worsen food insecurity, particularly in northern Jonglei and Upper Nile states. Projections indicate the number of counties facing emergency-level hunger (IPC Phase 4) will more than double between February and May, with some households at risk of catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5). WFP has been forced to pause plans to pre-position 12,000 metric tons of food ahead of the rainy season, raising concerns about access when roads become impassable.
South Sudan has also been battling a cholera outbreak, recording nearly 98,000 cases and over 1,600 deaths since September 2024, with Jonglei among the hardest-hit areas. Treatment centers are overwhelmed, and the ongoing violence threatens to exacerbate the situation.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation. The United States, a key donor to South Sudan, has repeatedly called for all parties to respect the ceasefire and prioritize the needs of civilians. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the escalating crisis in the coming days.
The situation in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for a renewed commitment to peace and stability, as well as increased humanitarian assistance to avert a catastrophic crisis. A summary of the threats to the peace process and the converging crises can be found here: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/11/1166333.
