South Sudan’s Hunger Crisis Deepens: 7.55M at Risk as Conflict, Flooding and Aid Shortfalls Mount

South Sudan’s Hunger Emergency Intensifies

The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that more than 7.55 million people in South Sudan could face malnutrition during the April–July 2026 lean season, when household food stocks are typically lowest. The IPC projects a sharp deterioration as renewed fighting, severe seasonal flooding and shrinking international aid restrict access to food, water and health services.

Currently, about 5.97 million South Sudanese — roughly 42% of the population analysed — are experiencing acute malnutrition. The assessment identifies nearly 28,000 people in Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak living in catastrophic conditions, the IPC's most severe classification.

Six counties are forecast to reach the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, driven by conflict-driven displacement, limited humanitarian access and the spread of a cholera outbreak. The report also warns that by June 2026 more than 2.1 million children under five and about 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will be at risk of acute malnutrition.

“The high severity of acute food insecurity in South Sudan is of great concern, requiring an immediate and large-scale response to save lives,” the IPC said.

Humanitarian access remains a major obstacle. Insecurity, looting and floodwaters have isolated many communities for months, limiting the ability of agencies to deliver life-saving assistance.

Context: Renewed clashes between government forces and militias aligned with former First Vice President Riek Machar have killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced over 445,000 this year, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Since independence in 2011, South Sudan has cycled through civil war and fragile peace agreements. A 2018 power-sharing deal was only partially implemented and now faces a severe test amid Machar's suspension and trial on treason charges.

Humanitarian appeal: The IPC and aid agencies call for urgent, large-scale funding and secure access so relief operations can scale up and reach isolated communities. Where peace and access have held, recovery efforts have begun, but sustained support is needed to prevent further loss of life and to expand recovery across the country.

Key figures

• 7.55 million: projected to face malnutrition during April–July 2026 lean season
• 5.97 million: currently acutely malnourished
• 28,000: living in catastrophic conditions in Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak
• 2.1 million: children under five at risk by June 2026
• 1.15 million: pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk by June 2026
• ~2,000: people killed in renewed fighting this year
• 445,000+: displaced this year