UN Urges Global Action as South Sudanese Seek Support from International Community

south Sudan on the Brink: Conflict, Displacement, and a Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe

July 3, 2025

The Youngest Nation, humanitarian-budget/” title=”European Commission included Venezuela in its … budget”>South Sudan, is grappling with a rapidly deteriorating security situation and a spiraling humanitarian crisis, threatening to undo years of fragile peacebuilding efforts.Recent reports indicate a important erosion of progress made in the peace process,fueled by renewed clashes between rival factions and a massive influx of refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.

Escalating Conflict Undermines Peace Agreement

Military confrontations have intensified in recent months, primarily between forces aligned with First Vice President and Government troops loyal to President Salva kiir. These clashes directly challenge the 2018 Revitalized peace Agreement,intended to foster collaboration between the two leaders. The agreement effectively fractured in March when President Kiir placed the former Vice President under house arrest, halting meaningful dialogue.

Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-general for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding affairs and Peace Operations, recently briefed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the reversed gains and the urgent need for intervention. Her assessment paints a grim picture of a country sliding back towards instability.

A Dual Displacement Crisis

The impact of the violence is devastating. Civilian infrastructure is being destroyed, and communities are being displaced. Compounding the internal conflict is the influx of refugees from Sudan, with over 1.2 million Sudanese seeking refuge in South Sudan since the outbreak of civil war in their country. This surge in population is straining the already limited resources of a nation struggling with its own internal challenges.

The conflict in Sudan has also had a severe economic impact on South Sudan, disrupting vital oil flows-the country’s primary source of revenue-through Port Sudan. This disruption has led to significant losses in oil revenue, further exacerbating the economic hardship.

Key Indicator	Current figure (2025)
People in Need of Humanitarian Assistance	9.3 million
people Facing Food Insecurity	7.7 million
People at Risk of Catastrophic Food Shortage	83,000
Sudanese Refugees in South Sudan	1.2 million
Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan Funded	28.5%

did you know? South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but has been plagued by conflict and instability ever since.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens, Funding Falls Short

The situation represents one of South Sudan’s worst humanitarian crises since its independence. A staggering 9.3 million people are in desperate need of assistance,while 7.7 million are facing food insecurity, with 83,000 on the brink of starvation. simultaneously, reports of brutal sexual violence are on the rise, adding another layer of suffering to an already dire situation.

the response to this crisis is hampered by significant funding shortfalls. As of mid-2025, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 28.5 percent funded, leaving millions without access to life-saving aid. Moreover, aid workers are increasingly facing attacks, and logistical challenges hinder the delivery of relief supplies.

International Calls for Action

The United Nations, the african Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Progress (IGAD) have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities and a return to political dialogue. However, these appeals have so far been ignored by the warring parties. Ms.Pobee stressed that, while government officials have publicly committed to elections by December 2026, concrete steps toward dialogue and decision-making are urgently needed.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the situation in South sudan by following updates from the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs (OCHA) and the International Crisis Group.

She urged the Security Council to pressure all parties to uphold the peace agreement.Failure to lay the groundwork for peaceful and credible elections in December 2026 risks another descent into violence, exacerbating regional instability. The international community shares the responsibility of preventing this outcome.

“The people of south Sudan are counting on us,” Ms. Pobee emphasized.

Understanding the Roots of the Conflict

The conflict in South Sudan is deeply rooted in decades of political and ethnic tensions, exacerbated by competition for resources and power.The struggle for control over oil revenues has been a major driver of conflict, as have longstanding grievances between different ethnic groups. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

The 2018 peace agreement was intended to address these issues by establishing a power-sharing arrangement between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. Though, the implementation of the agreement has been fraught with challenges, including disagreements over security arrangements and the distribution of power and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions about the South sudan Crisis

• What is the primary cause of the current crisis in South Sudan? The crisis is driven by escalating conflict between rival political factions, compounded by a massive influx of refugees from Sudan and a severe humanitarian funding shortage.
• How many people are currently displaced in South Sudan? Over 1.2 million Sudanese refugees have fled to South Sudan, adding to the existing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country.
• What is the status of the 2018 peace agreement? The agreement has been significantly undermined, notably after President Kiir placed the First Vice President under house arrest. Implementation has stalled, hindering progress toward lasting peace.
• What kind of humanitarian assistance is needed in South Sudan? Urgent needs include food, water, shelter, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
• How can I help the people of South Sudan? You can donate to reputable humanitarian organizations working on the ground, such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or the World Food Program (WFP).

What are your thoughts on the international community’s response to the crisis in South Sudan? Do you believe enough is being done to support the people of this war-torn nation?

Share your opinions and help spread awareness by commenting below.

What specific funding gaps hinder the UN’s ability to fully implement its humanitarian response plan in south Sudan?

The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan

The United Nations has issued a renewed and urgent call for increased international support for South Sudan, as the nation grapples with a deepening humanitarian crisis fueled by ongoing conflict, climate change-induced disasters, and political instability.Millions of South sudanese are facing severe food insecurity,displacement,and limited access to essential services. The situation demands immediate and sustained global attention. Key terms related to this crisis include South Sudan famine,humanitarian aid South Sudan,and UN response South Sudan.

Key Drivers of the Crisis

Several interconnected factors are contributing to the worsening conditions in South Sudan:

Persistent Conflict: Inter-communal violence and political clashes continue to displace populations and disrupt agricultural production. The legacy of the civil war (2013-2020) continues to impact stability.

Climate Change Impacts: South sudan is highly vulnerable to climate change. Recurring droughts and devastating floods have destroyed crops, livestock, and infrastructure, exacerbating food insecurity. Recent flooding in Unity State, for example, displaced tens of thousands.

Economic Instability: High inflation, limited economic opportunities, and a depreciating currency are pushing more people into poverty. This impacts access to food, healthcare, and education.

Displacement: Over 4.3 million South Sudanese are internally displaced,while another 2.3 million have fled to neighboring countries as refugees. This creates immense strain on already limited resources. Understanding refugee crisis South Sudan is crucial.

The UN’s Response and Funding Needs

The UN,through its agencies like the World Food Program (WFP),UNICEF,and UNHCR,is working to provide life-saving assistance to those in need. However, the scale of the crisis far exceeds current resources.

Food security: The WFP is scaling up food assistance, but faces significant funding shortfalls. The association estimates that 6.8 million people will face acute food insecurity in 2025.

Healthcare: Access to healthcare is severely limited, with many facilities damaged or lacking essential supplies. UNICEF is working to provide vaccinations, treatment for malnutrition, and support for maternal and child health.

Protection of Civilians: The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) provides protection to civilians in designated Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites and conducts patrols to deter violence.

Funding Gap: The UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan for South Sudan requires $1.7 billion in 2025, but remains significantly underfunded. Donors are urged to increase their contributions. South Sudan aid donations are critically needed.

the Role of International Partners

Addressing the crisis in South Sudan requires a coordinated effort from the international community.

Increased Humanitarian Funding: Governments and private donors must increase their financial contributions to support UN agencies and NGOs working on the ground.

Diplomatic Pressure: International actors should exert diplomatic pressure on South sudanese leaders to prioritize peace,good governance,and the protection of civilians.

Support for Peacebuilding: Investing in peacebuilding initiatives, including reconciliation programs and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, is essential for long-term stability.

Addressing climate Change: Supporting south Sudan’s adaptation to climate change, through investments in climate-resilient agriculture and infrastructure, is crucial.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Women and Children

The crisis disproportionately affects women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, malnutrition, and exploitation.

Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls are at increased risk of sexual violence and exploitation in displacement settings.

Child Malnutrition: malnutrition rates among children are alarmingly high,with long-term consequences for their physical and cognitive development. Child hunger South Sudan is a major concern.

Education Disruption: Conflict and displacement have disrupted education for millions of children, jeopardizing their future prospects.

Recruitment of Child Soldiers: Despite progress, the recruitment of child soldiers remains a concern in some areas.

Case Study: The Flooding in Unity State (2024)

The devastating floods that swept through Unity State in late 2024 provide a stark example of the challenges facing South Sudan. The floods displaced over 200,000 people, destroyed crops and livestock, and contaminated water sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The response was hampered by limited access and funding constraints, highlighting the urgent need for increased preparedness and resources. This event underscores the importance of disaster relief South Sudan.

Practical Ways to Help

Individuals can contribute to alleviating the suffering in South Sudan through:

Donating to reputable organizations: WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and the International Rescue Committee are among the organizations providing assistance.

Raising awareness: