South Sudan is facing a dangerous escalation of violence that threatens to deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis, particularly for children and displaced communities. Recent deadly clashes and rising tensions in several parts of the country - including Ruweng Administrative Area and Jonglei State - are heightening risks for civilians and disrupting humanitarian operations in areas already struggling with conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and widespread poverty.
These developments are compounding an already dire situation in South Sudan, where a poly-crisis of conflict, climate shocks, high inflation, widespread poverty, and repeated displacement continues to deepen humanitarian needs. The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 estimates that more than 10 million people—nearly two-thirds of the population—will require humanitarian assistance this year. At the same time, humanitarian funding cuts are forcing some organisations to scale back life-saving programmes, just as needs continue to grow. Combined with escalating violence and displacement, these constraints risk leaving vulnerable communities—especially children—without access to essential assistance such as food, healthcare, and protection.
World Vision South Sudan is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly the growing risks facing children. While World Vision does not operate in Akobo and Ruweng, humanitarian assistance in many areas across South Sudan has already been disrupted, affecting tens of thousands of people.
Ongoing violence has reportedly forced thousands of people to flee their homes, with displacement spreading across Jonglei and triggering influxes into Upper Nile State and across the border into Gambella, Ethiopia. World Vision is closely monitoring the evolving situation, particularly movements of displaced populations into areas where the organisation operates.
“As tensions escalate in Jonglei and other parts of the country, the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly fragile. As we have repeatedly mentioned, children are bearing the brunt of this crisis. At such a young age, many are experiencing repeated displacement, loss, hunger, and fear—conditions which are extremely harmful to their survival, protection, and long-term wellbeing,” said Dr Mesfin Loha, World Vision South Sudan Country Director.
While World Vision does not currently operate in Jonglei, we are implementing humanitarian programmes in Upper Nile State, supporting displaced populations and those fleeing the conflict in Sudan. The recent escalation of tensions in Jonglei is already contributing to increased displacement into Upper Nile, placing additional strain on already overstretched services.
Mesfin warned that continued violence risks worsening an already severe humanitarian emergency. “Every escalation of violence deepens the suffering of children and families who are already living on the edge. Humanitarian access must be protected so that life-saving assistance can reach those who need it most. Children must never be caught in the crossfire of conflict,” he said.
World Vision stands with the Humanitarian Country Team in calling on all parties to refrain from military operations in populated areas and pursue peaceful dialogue to prevent further harm to civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.
In response to the unfolding crisis, World Vision is closely monitoring developments, particularly the movement of displaced people into Upper Nile State and Gambela in Ethiopia, and is actively coordinating with humanitarian partners to support a coordinated response. World Vision stands ready to activate its National Disaster Management Team should the situation further deteriorate.