South Sudan’s Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid Blocked Aid and Ongoing Conflict

The UN-backed IPC report projects 7.8 million South Sudanese—56 % of the population—to face high acute food insecurity from April to July 2026. It lists 73 300 people in Phase 5 (Catastrophe), 2.5 million in Phase 4 (Emergency) and 5.3 million in Phase 3 (Crisis). Acute malnutrition affects 2.2 million children, with 700 000 at risk of death, and 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women need nutrition support.

Hunger intensifies in South Sudan as 7.8 million people face high acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children suffer acute malnutritionSouth Sudan faces deepening hunger crisis as 7.8 million projected to suffer acute food insecurityUN warns of severe food crisis in South Sudan, millions face acute food shortagesSeven Million Face Severe Hunger as South Sudan Clashes IntensifyReport warns of escalating hunger as South Sudan food crisis worsensU.S. questions South Sudan aid, oil use as hunger worsensAl Jazeera (website)

Fighting between the state army, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and opposition militias has intensified in Jonglei and Upper Nile, reigniting hostilities after former Vice President Riek Machar was suspended. In Nyatim, County Commissioner James Bol Makuei denied humanitarian convoys, arguing aid could reach opposition supporters. Doctors Without Borders estimates roughly 30 000 displaced persons there, a figure local officials claim is exaggerated. Blocked routes have halted food, water and medical deliveries to vulnerable groups.

Associated Press

Since independence, South Sudan has earned about $25 billion in oil revenue; the United States has contributed $9.5 billion in aid. The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan remains under 15 % funded, leaving a $1.8 billion shortfall. UN Acting Resident Coordinator Noala Skinner called the situation an “irreversible humanitarian catastrophe.” Deputy Agriculture Minister Lily Albino Akol warned of a worsening food-security landscape. FAO Director Rein Paulsen stressed protecting recent agrifood gains, while WFP Director Ross Smith described a “critical race against time.” U.S. Embassy senior assistant coordinator Charles Vetter questioned why oil revenue and donor aid have not prevented the crisis.

Seven Million Face Severe Hunger as South Sudan Clashes Intensify

Doctors Without Borders and county officials dispute the Nyatim population, reporting 30 000 versus a claim of exaggeration. The IPC report lists four counties at risk of famine, while earlier assessments mentioned only one. Precise data on aid deliveries to blocked areas remain unavailable, highlighting persistent gaps.

U.S. questions South Sudan aid, oil use as hunger worsens

• “It was a ‘no’ from local and national authorities and from the military,” — Yashovardhan, head of mission, Doctors Without Borders

Associated Press

• “The numbers speak for themselves. They are skyrocketing,” — Charles Vetter, senior assistant coordinator, U.S. Embassy in Juba

U.S. questions South Sudan aid, oil use as hunger worsens

• “Makuei does not want aid to reach people who “support the opposition,” Dual said, especially when they are near government-held areas.” — Gatkhor Dual, opposition aid coordinator, Jonglei

Associated Press

• “2 million children suffering from acute malnutrition and nearly 700,000 among them are at grave risk of dying from severe wasting.” — Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Director of Emergencies

Hunger intensifies in South Sudan as 7.8 million people face high acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children suffer acute malnutrition

The approaching lean season heightens the urgency of scaling food assistance, nutrition programmes, clean water and health services. UN agencies call for safe, rapid, unfettered humanitarian access, while donors are urged to close the $1.8 billion funding gap. Without expanded aid and a cessation of hostilities, the risk of famine across the identified counties remains high and projected mortality among children and vulnerable adults is likely to increase.

Hunger intensifies in South Sudan as 7.8 million people face high acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children suffer acute malnutrition