The UN warns South Sudan is on the brink of famine as intensified fighting and seasonal floods deepen food insecurity across the country. Tom Fletcher said emergency food insecurity could affect people in all 10 states during the lean season and that more than 7.5 million people will need food assistance. He reported looted humanitarian compounds and destroyed nutrition centres around Akobo, where over 140,000 people are in dire need, while more than 280,000 civilians have been displaced. The UN is urging unhindered access, greater flexible funding and respect for humanitarian law as the Security Council considers UNMISS's renewal.
UN Warns South Sudan Could Slide Into Full-Scale Famine as Fighting and Floods Worsen
Elderly members of the Nuer community, uprooted by the conflict in Jonglei State, attend a community health session amid shortages of medical supplies in the POC IDP Camp in Bor, Jonglei State, on February 16, 2026 [File: Luis Tato/AFP]
The UN's humanitarian chief has warned that South Sudan stands at a perilous crossroads and could slide into a full-scale famine unless urgent action is taken. After a week in the country, Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Security Council he feared his next briefing 'could be reporting a formal famine declaration.'
Fletcher said that 'hunger across South Sudan is tightening its grip,' with emergency levels of food insecurity expected for some people across all 10 states during the lean season that runs through the end of July. He warned that more than 7.5 million people will need food assistance this year.
In Jonglei State, around Akobo, Fletcher reported 'humanitarian compounds looted and nutrition centres destroyed' and said more than 140,000 people there are in 'dire need of help.' Escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the SPLM/A‑In Opposition have forced more than 280,000 civilians to flee parts of the state.
Seasonal flooding is compounding the emergency, cutting communities off, damaging livelihoods and making aid delivery far more difficult. Fletcher urged the Security Council to press for unhindered humanitarian access, to increase flexible funding, and to demand that all parties fully respect humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), told the council that 'civilians continue to bear the brunt' and warned the scale and urgency of needs are not matched by the sustained international commitment required as the mandate for UNMISS is considered for renewal (currently in place until April 30).
The UN is calling for immediate diplomatic and financial steps to prevent catastrophe: restore and protect humanitarian access, secure aid sites, increase flexible funding to respond quickly, and pressure all parties to halt attacks on civilians. Without swift, coordinated international action, millions risk catastrophic food insecurity and displacement.
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