South Sudan: Conflict in Jonglei State - Flash Update No.9 (as of 20 February 2026)

HIGHLIGHTS

• On 20 February, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), Tom Fletcher, arrived in Juba for a five-day mission to draw international attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
• On 18 February, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Anita Kiki Gbeho, and the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Albino Akol Atak, visited Duk‑Poktap in Duk County to assess conflict‑related displacement and the cholera outbreak, and to engage authorities, partners, and affected communities on strengthening a coordinated response.
• As of 20 February, the IOM/Displacement Tracking Mechanism (DTM) has verified 225,156 displaced people in Jonglei State, up from 186,596 recorded on 4 February.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 20 February, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), Tom Fletcher, arrived in Juba for a five-day mission focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation and escalating protection risks facing civilians and aid personnel. The visit comes amid heightened insecurity and growing international concern, including the recent killings of three humanitarian workers between 7 and 16 February in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. The ERC is expected to engage senior government officials to advocate for the de-escalation of violence, protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, and unfettered humanitarian access. The mission will also amplify the voices of affected communities and reinforce calls for accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law. The visit provides an opportunity to highlight South Sudan’s acute but often underreported crisis through targeted media outreach and diplomatic engagement.

On 18 February, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Anita Kiki Gbeho, and the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs visited Duk‑Poktap in Duk County to assess conflict‑related displacement and the cholera outbreak, and to engage authorities, partners, and affected communities on strengthening a coordinated response. The Humanitarian Coordinator reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with affected families and pledged continued support. She emphasized the need for coordinated action to ensure timely assistance for those most in need. During the visit, displaced people raised protection concerns, including family separation. Access constraints persist across northern and central Jonglei. While the Minister reiterated directives for unhindered humanitarian access, sustained donor engagement and flexible support remain essential to overcome operational challenges and deliver lifesaving assistance to all affected communities.

On 17 February, armed clashes reportedly erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army‑in‑Opposition (SPLA‑iO) in Walgak Payam, Akobo County, Jonglei State. No casualties had been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Large numbers of people continue to flee central and northern Jonglei since the resumption of fighting between the two groups on 29 December 2025, with movements spreading across multiple counties and increasing pressure on host communities within Jonglei and neighbouring states. Uror, Duk and Akobo counties in Jonglei State, and Awerial County in Lakes State are reportedly facing a rapid rise in displacement. Across Jonglei, many families are sheltering in the open or in makeshift structures, with urgent needs for health services, non-food items, and food. Children, women, and the elderly remain the most vulnerable, amid growing concerns over malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and limited access to healthcare.

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT AND NEEDS

• Renewed fighting and airstrikes, especially in central and northern Jonglei State, have displaced an estimated 280,000 people across Uror, Nyirol, Akobo, Duk, Ayod, Canal/Pigi, Twic East and Bor South, with secondary displacement into Upper Nile and Lakes states, according to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), significantly increasing humanitarian needs across affected counties. The fighting has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, disrupting markets, agricultural activities and basic services. This has left several communities with little or no access to food.
• Displacement: According to the RRC, nearly 280,000 people have been displaced across Uror, Nyirol, Akobo, Duk, Ayod, Canal/Pigi, Twic East and Bor South, with secondary displacement into Upper Nile and Lakes states due to escalating tensions and airstrikes in Jonglei. Of those, an estimated 105,400 people are in Uror, 57,200 in Nyirol, 82,000 in Akobo (in the 4 payams), 17,700 in Duk, 17,000 in Ayod, 10,000 in Canal/Pigi, 5,000 in Twic East, and 4,300 in Bor South. In addition, 29,500 people have been registered in Mingkaman (Awerial County, Lakes State), and approximately 12,000 people have arrived in Ulang County, Upper Nile State, from Nyirol, placing severe strain on host communities and basic services. As of 20 February, the IOM/Displacement Tracking Mechanism (DTM) verification has verified nearly 226,156, up from 186,596 recorded on 4 February.
• Partners reported over 82,000 new arrivals in Akobo County including Akobo town (up from 11,800 just about a week earlier). Akobo Hospital has received at least 93 patients with gunshot wounds, including 11 recent arrivals, as of 18 February. The surge in patients has overstretched the hospital’s capacity in terms of medical supplies, staff, and space. Most new arrivals have integrated into the host community, while others are sheltering in public spaces such as churches and the government offices.
• Since the escalation of the conflict, 13 health facilities have reportedly been damaged or looted, resulting in three deaths and one injury among health workers, with the most recent attack on a health care facility recorded on 13 February. On 18 February, the Nutrition Cluster reported widespread destruction and suspension of health services due to ongoing fighting. In Ayod County, 2 of 18 health facilities have been destroyed. In Nyirol County, 13 of 16 facilities have also been destroyed. In Duk County, 4 facilities were looted and 2 destroyed. In Akobo County, 13 of 25 facilities have suspended services following the looting of five humanitarian vehicles.
• In the last seven days (11–17 February), at least 106 cholera new cases and 3 deaths (CFR: 2.8%) were reported across five counties. The new cases were recorded in Duk (65), Ayod (29), Mayom (9), Mayendit (2), and Juba (1). All three newly reported deaths occurred in Ayod County. In Duk County, two weeks ago, cholera cases averaged 15–16 per day. On 18 February, only 4 new admissions were reported, including one severe paediatric case. A total of 90 cases have been recorded over the past two weeks, showing a downward trend. The downward trend indicates the outbreak may be coming under control, though continued vigilance is essential. Since the start of the outbreak (28 September 2024 to 18 February 2026), a cumulative total of 98,401 cases and 1,624 deaths were reported across 55 counties in 9 states and all 3 administrative areas.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND CHALLENGES

• WFP has scaled up its emergency response to assist the growing number of people fleeing escalating conflict in Jonglei State. As of 19 February, food assistance transported via river routes is being distributed despite rising insecurity that is hindering humanitarian operations and increasing the risk of severe hunger. Newly displaced families across Canal/Pigi County have been registered for assistance, including many receiving aid for the first time since the conflict began. WFP aims to reach up to 500,000 people who are now on the brink of catastrophic hunger across Jonglei State.
• Cholera response: MSF has been operating a Cholera Treatment Centre in Poktap, Duk County for about two weeks. Most cases are IDPs coming from remote island areas, requiring 4–5 hours of travel to reach the facility.
• Since the start of February, seven health partners have received emergency medical supplies and cholera kits from WHO. These supplies, distributed through the Health Cluster, are supporting the response across affected counties in Jonglei State.
• Distribution of food assistance is expected to start soon, targeting over 60,000 people including IDPs in Padiet and Poktap of Duk County. At least six distribution points are planned, including Padiet, Pagak, Payuel, and Poktap. WFP has commenced repairing the road from Bor South County to Duk County, with plans to extend the work toward Ayod and Akobo. This is expected to significantly improve humanitarian logistics and access. Coordinated multi-sectoral interventions including health, water sanitation and hygiene, food security, and livelihoods are ongoing and expanding.
• The Logistics Cluster proposed a phased road‑transport plan from Bor to support deliveries into Ayod through Duk in Jonglei State in the coming days. A call for partners to register for an upcoming convoy to Duk County was widely circulated on 16 February. Limited capacity in the deep field locations remains a challenge, as partners who had relocated are yet to return.
• On 20 February, UNHAS announced the immediate resumption of flights to several locations in northern and central Jonglei State, including Akobo, Lankien, Motot, Pieri, Walgak, Yuai, Kurwai, New Fangak, Paguer, Toch, and Ayod. Flights to these locations had been suspended due to operational constraints.
• On 19 February, the Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as the Delegation of the European Union, in a statement condemned in the strongest terms the recent killings of humanitarian workers in South Sudan.
• On 15 February, the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) confirmed that, following a directive from the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, all humanitarian personnel are authorized to resume travel to previously restricted locations, including areas under SPLA-iO control, effective 16 February. The JVMM’s communication on the SSPDF decision indicates a potential opening of access, but implementation remains uneven and verification limited. Ground movements continue to face denials, for example, MSF’s planned mission to Pieri in Uror County and Lankien in Duk County on 18 February was not authorized, citing security developments in the areas.
• On 13 February, unidentified armed men attacked an INGO‑run mobile clinic in Wunbiem, Ayod County, and later shot and killed an incentive nurse at his home. Due to access constraints and security risks, IMA World Health cannot verify or retrieve clinic medicines and supplies including items scheduled for relocation to Duk and has suspended movements by incentive staff and cancelled transport procurement.
• A recent allocation of US$10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will help humanitarians provide immediate assistance to up to 180,000 newly displaced families has been described as a lifeline for thousands of families who have been displaced by recent fighting in South Sudan. The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, thanked CERF for this lifeline that will allow humanitarians to act swiftly.