South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (January 2026)

In January, humanitarian needs in South Sudan remained extremely high. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan estimates that 10 million people more than two-thirds of the population will require assistance in 2026, up from 9.3 million in 2025. As of 31 January, renewed conflict and airstrikes across Jonglei State since late December had displaced an estimated 280,000 people, including 230,000 within Jonglei and 29,000 in Mingkaman, Awerial County, Lakes State. Many families are sheltering in the open with limited access to food, water, health care, and protection, while insecurity continues to constrain assessments. On 25 January, Government forces ordered all civilians and humanitarian personnel to evacuate Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties within 48 hours ahead of a military operation. Fighting between government and opposition forces was also reported in Unity, Upper Nile, Central Equatoria, and Eastern Equatoria states, alongside ongoing intercommunal violence in Warrap and Lakes states. In Unity State, clashes in Rubkona, Guit, and Leer displaced 48,700 people, while nearly 13,000 were displaced in Longochuk, Upper Nile State. In Eastern Equatoria State, about 2,000 people fled Kapoeta East following armed conflict on 17 January, and clashes in Morobo, Central Equatoria State, triggered further fear and displacement. A rapidly worsening cholera outbreak is compounding the crisis. In January alone, 479 cases were reported nationwide, including 125 in Jonglei State, mostly in Duk County. A Health Cluster partner assessment conducted on 28–29 January found a sharp increase in cholera infections since 13 January, including 48 cases and four deaths at Poktap Health Care Centre in Duk County. Displaced populations are the most affected. Treatment centres are overwhelmed and critically short of supplies. Since the outbreak began on 28 September 2024, South Sudan has recorded 97,801 cases and 1,608 deaths across 55 counties in nine states.