JUBA, South Sudan

An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warned Tuesday that more than half of South Sudan’s population will face a crisis or worse levels of hunger during the 2026 lean season.

It means that approximately 7.56 million people will be in a state of food insecurity from April to July, with more than 2 million children projected to suffer from acute malnutrition.

Food insecurity and malnutrition in South Sudan remain extremely high, driven primarily by localized conflict and expanding civil insecurity that have displaced large populations, as well as by widespread flooding that continues to disrupt livelihoods and agricultural production, according to the report.

About 5.97 million people, 42% of South Sudan’s population, are facing severe food insecurity between September and November, including 1.3 million in emergency, or IPC Phase 4, and 28,000 in catastrophe, or IPC Phase 5 conditions, with Luakpiny/Nasir County in the Upper Nile at risk of famine under a worst-case scenario, said the report by UN agencies and the South Sudan government.

“The hunger we are witnessing in South Sudan partly stems from disrupted agricultural seasons and agri-food systems that are sufficient to meet the country’s food needs,” said Meshack Malo, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in South Sudan.

“Achieving lasting peace and revitalizing agri-food systems are essential to ending hunger. When fields are cultivated and markets are restored, families will reclaim their dignity,” he added.

Humanitarian access remains one of the most critical challenges, according to the report. In many areas, insecurity, looting, poor roads and flooding have isolated entire communities for months. The situation is preventing life-saving support from reaching those most in need and is exacerbating their vulnerability.

“This is an alarming trajectory,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the World Food Program's (WFP) country director in South Sudan.

“The persistent hunger levels remain deeply troubling. In counties where peace has held, and actors have consistent access, as well as resources, people have taken the first steps towards recovery. While this progress is encouraging, it is crucial that we sustain the momentum to ensure lasting positive change across all affected communities.”

The report indicated that an unprecedented six counties are projected to hit the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to food, nutrition, water and health services, alongside a spreading cholera outbreak. A total of 2.1 million children under 5, and 1.1 million mothers, are at risk of acute malnutrition by June 2026.

“This analysis paints a very worrying picture, with persistent high levels of severe malnutrition for the youngest children. These children are not to blame for the factors that have caused displacement and closure of nutrition sites. Safe access and continuity of life-saving health and nutrition services to all affected areas are critical and urgent,” said UNICEF country representative, Noala Skinner.

South Sudan’s agriculture and food security minister said 42% of the population is facing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity.

He said that during the harvest and post-harvest period from December 2025 to March 2026, the numbers are projected to slightly decline to 5.86 million, representing 41%, before rising again to 7.56 million people during the 2026 lean season.

He promised that the government, together with UN agencies and other partners, will do more to support vulnerable people despite funding shortages.