Rising Violence in South Sudan Threatens Civilians, Aid, and Development Gains

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Rising Violence in South Sudan Threatens Civilians, Aid, and Development Gains

UN News / 9. February 2026/

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has strongly condemned the recent surge in violence across South Sudan, warning that civilians and humanitarian workers are paying a devastating price as aid operations increasingly come under attack.

The renewed instability is not only a humanitarian crisis, it is a serious setback for development progress in one of the world’s most fragile contexts.

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

According to UN briefings, the escalation in violence has led to rising civilian casualties, displacement, and widespread fear among communities already facing food insecurity and limited access to basic services. Families who had begun rebuilding their lives are once again being forced to flee, often with little warning and few resources.

Women and children remain particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks of exploitation, disrupted schooling, and limited access to healthcare.

Aid Workers and Services Under Threat

The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the growing number of attacks on humanitarian operations. Aid workers and facilities , which are meant to provide lifesaving support are increasingly being targeted, restricting access to communities most in need.

When humanitarian space shrinks, the consequences are immediate and severe:

Food distributions are delayed or halted
Health services become inaccessible
Protection services for vulnerable groups are disrupted

This creates a ripple effect that deepens poverty, worsens malnutrition, and undermines resilience.

Development Gains at Risk

Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, continued violence threatens hard-won development gains. Years of work to improve livelihoods, strengthen local institutions, and support community recovery can be reversed in a short time when insecurity returns.

Conflict erodes trust, weakens markets, and disrupts local economic activity — making it even harder for families and small businesses to recover. For young people especially, instability limits access to education, skills development, and employment opportunities, increasing the risk of long-term marginalization.

A Call for Protection and Peace

The UN Secretary-General has called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian actors.

Sustainable progress in countries like South Sudan depends not only on emergency response, but on restoring stability and rebuilding the foundations for long-term development: peace, functioning institutions, and inclusive economic opportunity.

As violence escalates, the message from the UN is clear: protecting civilians and safeguarding humanitarian and development efforts must be an urgent global priority.

Credits: This article is based on statements and updates from the United Nations and remarks by Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the situation in South Sudan.