UNHCR Warns of Deepening Displacement Crisis in South Sudan

The emergency in Jonglei is unfolding within a broader displacement crisis that has affected South Sudan since its independence in 2011.

The United Nations refugee agency has raised alarm over a worsening humanitarian and protection crisis in South Sudan's eastern Jonglei State, where months of violence have uprooted hundreds of thousands of people and left communities struggling to survive.

According to UNHCR, Akobo County has become the centre of the emergency, with around 140,000 people displaced in the area alone. Across Jonglei and neighbouring states, more than 300,000 people have been forced from their homes since December 2025 as insecurity continues to spread. The violence has also pushed many families across international borders. Around 100,000 people have fled to neighbouring Ethiopia seeking safety, while population movements remain highly unpredictable as people move back and forth in search of security and assistance.

At the same time, thousands have begun returning to their communities despite ongoing dangers, highlighting the difficult choices many families face after exhausting their resources and options.

Flood Risks Threaten to Worsen Humanitarian Emergency

The crisis is becoming even more complicated as South Sudan enters its rainy season. Flooding is expected to affect many of the same communities already struggling with displacement and insecurity. Last year, severe floods affected more than one million people across the country, damaging homes, roads and public infrastructure while cutting off access to entire communities. Humanitarian agencies fear similar conditions could emerge again in 2026. Heavy rains could isolate displaced families, increase the spread of disease and make relief operations significantly more difficult. Communities in Akobo and surrounding areas are considered particularly vulnerable because many are already living in fragile shelters and lack access to essential services.

Funding Shortfall Limits Humanitarian Response

The emergency in Jonglei is unfolding within a broader displacement crisis that has affected South Sudan since its independence in 2011. Years of conflict, economic hardship and climate-related disasters have repeatedly forced people from their homes. Today, around 2.4 million South Sudanese refugees remain in neighbouring countries, while nearly 2 million people are internally displaced within South Sudan itself.

The country is also dealing with the impact of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. Since April 2023, more than 1.3 million people, including refugees, asylum seekers and returning South Sudanese nationals, have crossed into the country.

UNHCR and its partners continue to provide protection services, monitor border movements and identify vulnerable individuals in need of assistance. Humanitarian needs, however, are rising faster than aid agencies can respond. As of May 2026, UNHCR had received only 25 percent of the US$286 million required for its operations in South Sudan. The agency is calling for urgent and flexible funding to expand life-saving assistance and protection programmes. Without additional support, thousands of families displaced by violence could face the coming months without adequate shelter, healthcare, food or protection as conflict and seasonal flooding continue to threaten their lives.