Aid chief warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Jonglei amid violence

JUBA  – The Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, has warned that renewed fighting across several counties in Jonglei State is rapidly worsening the humanitarian and protection situation, forcing civilians to flee and disrupting critical health services.

The violence is triggering significant displacement, placing both civilians and aid workers at grave risk while severely disrupting already fragile health services.

“These developments are further compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis, marked by severe food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and the aftermath of catastrophic floods,” Gbeho said in a statement seen by Sudan Post on Sunday.

Since December 29, 2025, more than 180,000 people, mostly women, children, and the elderly, have been displaced from their homes, according to government sources.

Many are sheltering in remote bush areas, while others have sought refuge in neighboring states.

“As humanitarian needs escalate, already overstretched humanitarian operations are coming under increasing strain. At least four health facilities have been looted, depriving more than one hundred thousand people of access to essential services,” she added.

Restrictions on air, river, and road movements in some areas have significantly constrained humanitarian access, impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance, disrupting medical referrals and resupply, and delaying the completion of critical needs assessments.

“Innocent civilians must be protected,” said Ms. Gbeho. “All parties must immediately end the violence, de-escalate tensions, and guarantee safe, unhindered humanitarian access to those in desperate need.”

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan also expressed deep concern about reports of significant military confrontations between armed forces aligned with the main parties to the peace agreement in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria.

This surge in conflict, which is causing immense harm, including through aerial bombardments of civilian areas, comes in the aftermath of efforts to diverge from the peace framework established by the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

“South Sudan’s leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and inclusive dialogue during this week’s visit by the African Union ad-hoc high-level committee. Therefore, UNMISS urges them to make true on that commitment by immediately ceasing hostilities, de-escalating tensions, and advancing reconciliation and peace through inclusive dialogue under the framework of the peace agreement,” said Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of UNMISS.

“Strong leadership and decisive, consensus-based action are needed now, more than ever, to prevent the current crisis from deepening and ensure that the peace and prosperity so richly deserved by the people of South Sudan are finally delivered.”