South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (March 2026)

Clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, particularly in Jonglei State since December 2025 continue to drive major displacement and disrupt humanitarian operations. International Organization for Migration estimates over 276,500 people displaced across Jonglei, Lakes, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria, with at least 110,000 fleeing Akobo to Ethiopia in early March. Hunger, acute malnutrition, and disease outbreaks are rising in overcrowded displacement sites. In Nyirol County of Jonglei, the screening of children under five found Global Acute Malnutrition rates above 30 per cent, far exceeding the 15 per cent WHO emergency threshold. Violence elsewhere has further worsened the situation. Armed youth from Mayom in Unity attacked Abiemnhom in Ruweng Administrative Area on 1 March, reportedly killing over 100 people and displacing about 20,000 into Abyei Administrative Area. In Mundri East, Western Equatoria, cattle‑related attacks on 9 March killed dozens, displaced nearly 8,320, and resulted in livestock theft. Intercommunal violence in Tonj North, Warrap State, killed 20 people and forced 500 to flee. Conditions at the Renk Transit Centre are worsening, with 26 mostly elderly deaths reported since January, linked to severe malnutrition and shortages of medical supplies. Sharp increases in fuel prices, driven by new customs duties and supply fears, have increased transport costs and escalated food prices; fuel rose from 6,800 to 11,500 South Sudanese Pounds per liter between February and March. Disease risks are rising as well. On 18 March, health partners reported suspected polio cases in Renk County, Upper Nile and confirmed measles cases in Ayod (Jonglei) Aweil West (Northern Bahr el Ghazal) and Abyei. Cholera remains widespread, with 101,615 cases and 1,660 deaths reported since September 2024 across 55 counties. WHO notes the cholera outbreak is increasingly concentrated in Jonglei and Lakes, driven by displacement and poor water sanitation, and hygiene conditions.