UN official warns of rising violence, mounting humanitarian crisis in South Sudan

The top UN official in South Sudan on Friday warned about escalating violence and deepening humanitarian needs, urging global leaders to prioritize a political solution as the country faces renewed instability.

"The security situation remains deeply concerning. Fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition, particularly in Jonglei, has intensified and in some cases been accompanied by inflammatory rhetoric,” Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), told the Security Council.

"Civilians continue to bear the brunt," she said.

According to UNMISS human rights reporting, deaths and injuries rose by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring the worsening toll of the conflict, Gbeho said.

At the same time, she said, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, adding nearly 10 million people across South Sudan now require assistance.

Gbeho stressed that the country’s challenges cannot be resolved through military means alone, calling instead for a sustained political process grounded in inclusive dialogue.

"There is broad agreement across political actors, civil society, women, youth, and communities on the need for a peaceful transition, even as views differ on sequencing and modalities; particularly on the 'how' rather than the 'why' – providing a positive basis for continued engagement," she said.

She highlighted the importance of regional diplomacy in advancing that goal, welcoming the appointment of Jakaya Kikwete as African Union High Representative. His role, she said, has already helped inject new momentum into efforts to revive political dialogue.

As the Security Council considers renewing the UNMISS mandate, Gbeho warned that the scale of the crisis is outpacing current international support.

"As the Security Council deliberates on the renewal of the UNMISS mandate, it is important to recognize the dilemma we collectively face: the scale and urgency of needs on the ground are not yet matched by the type of sustained commitment and investment required to fully meet the shared ambition of sustainable path to peace," she said.

She also underscored the responsibility of South Sudan’s leaders to implement the country’s peace agreement and take concrete steps toward stability, particularly as the nation approaches the 15th anniversary of its independence.

"I therefore encourage the government to embrace peace and take demonstrable steps to gain confidence and meet the aspirations of their people," she said.