South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (February 2026)

Fighting intensified in February across northern and central Jonglei, driving large‑scale displacement and limiting humanitarian operations. IOM verified that over 263,000 people were displaced across Jonglei, Lakes, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria as of 28 February, with civilians fleeing daily, many multiple times. Partners reported dozens of conflict‑related injuries at Akobo Hospital, where limited services are putting patients at increased risk. Assessments in Nyirol, Uror and Duk counties in Jonglei State indicated widespread conflict‑related sexual violence, including rape, assault, forced stripping, abductions and killings of women and girls. High numbers of unaccompanied and separated children have also been identified. On 21 February, local authorities reported 25people killed in Ayod County, shortly after displaced families had been encouraged to return home with assurances of assistance. In Central Equatoria State, land‑related inter-communal violence on 18 February in Terekeka County, left several people dead and displaced over 11,000 people, mostly women and children.

Many homes were burned, leaving families exposed. In Unity State, heavy shelling on 12 and 13 February in Bentiu and Rubkona displaced nearly 1,000 civilians towards the IDP camps, according to IOM tracking. In Upper Nile State, ongoing fighting displaced some 10,000 people from Baliet County on 25 February, including 2,600 who relocated to Malakal Town. On 13 February, UNMISS handed over security and administrative responsibilities for the former Malakal PoC site, hosting nearly 45,000 people, to state authorities. As of 28 February, cholera transmission remains critical, with nearly 99,000 cases and 1,628 deaths reported across 55 counties, nine states and all three administrative areas since September 2024. Outbreaks persist in overcrowded displacement sites in central and northern Jonglei, where gaps in water, sanitation and health services remain severe. On 10 February, WHO confirmed a case of VDPV1 polio in Maiwut County, Upper Nile; a preventive vaccination campaign was planned. The State Ministry of Health also confirmed Mpox cases in Ezo and Yambio counties, Western Equatoria.