The humanitarian crisis in Jonglei State, South Sudan, is worsening, with recent clashes resulting in numerous casualties and significant displacement. As of February 13, 2026, humanitarian partners have reported that dozens of patients wounded in ongoing fighting are being treated at Akobo Hospital. Their conditions are precarious, exacerbated by unreliable access to emergency referrals and critical life-saving medical care.
Since late December 2025, renewed fighting and airstrikes have displaced an estimated 280,000 people across Jonglei State, significantly increasing humanitarian needs in the affected counties, according to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC). The conflict has similarly led to the looting and damage of health facilities, further complicating the delivery of essential health services.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Access
The situation continues to deteriorate amid escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-iO). Reports indicate that dozens of conflict-related injuries have been treated at Akobo Hospital, highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian access. On February 13, the UN Security Council expressed grave concern about the escalating violence in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, urging all parties to de-escalate and cease hostilities immediately.
UNICEF has warned that displaced children face severe protection risks, including killing, maiming, recruitment into armed groups, family separation, gender-based violence, and psychological distress. Recent incidents in Uror County have highlighted these dangers, with reports of explosions injuring children and armed men detaining and assaulting women returning to collect belongings.
Impact of Displacement
The humanitarian impact is profound, with over 280,000 individuals displaced across Uror, Nyirol, Akobo, Duk, Ayod, Canal/Pigi, Twic East, and Bor South counties. The majority of those displaced are women and children, with many families finding shelter in makeshift structures or under trees, and lacking access to essential resources such as food, and healthcare. The ongoing conflict has strained host communities and basic service provisions.
As of February 12, cholera cases are on the rise in conflict-affected areas, with cumulative cases since the outbreak began in September 2024 reaching 98,195, including 1,619 deaths. The highest numbers of latest cases have been reported in Duk, Mayendit, and Mayom, with significant fatalities also occurring across counties affected by the conflict.
Humanitarian Response and Challenges
In response to the crisis, humanitarian partners, including UNICEF, have been authorized to fly to Akobo to deliver life-saving supplies. On February 2, a joint mission delivered 2.5 metric tons of crucial medical supplies, including anti-malarial drugs and therapeutic food. This delivery underscores the urgent need for sustained, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to assist the conflict-affected communities.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has established a 30-bed Cholera Treatment Centre in Poktap to enhance capacity for cholera case management. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also actively involved, planning to deploy a Rapid Response Team to Ayod County to investigate and respond to the ongoing cholera outbreak.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian access remains severely constrained due to escalating hostilities and large-scale displacement. Reports indicate that a total of 12 health facilities have been looted or partially destroyed, further limiting access to care for vulnerable populations. The destruction of health and nutrition facilities directly impacts essential care for women and children, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, humanitarian partners continue to express concern about worsening access constraints in Jonglei State, where ongoing violence and displacement hinder aid efforts. The need for immediate action to safeguard civilians and restore essential services is critical. Engagement with local leaders is ongoing to facilitate the resumption of humanitarian operations, as recent discussions between the Humanitarian Coordinator and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs indicate a commitment to scaling up assistance in conflict-affected areas.
This ongoing crisis demands attention and action from the international community to address the humanitarian needs and protect the vulnerable populations in Jonglei State. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to support efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected by this escalating conflict.
