Monday, 9 February 2026 | Author – Alex Onyango | Nairobi-Kenya | File Photo | GT-News | South Sudan | Juba |
UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Anita Gbeho, is deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei State, where recent security incidents have affected humanitarian personnel, facilities, and supplies.
Since the escalation of hostilities in Jonglei State this year, at least eight health facilities have been looted, vandalized, or otherwise damaged by violence.
Most recently, on 3 February, an MSF-supported hospital in Lankien was impacted during an aerial bombardment, resulting in the loss of critical supplies and minor injuries to a staff member.
Later the same day, a health facility in Pieri, Uror County, was looted, prompting aid workers and community members to flee. Together, these facilities were providing essential health services to more than 250,000 people, who now have very limited, if any, access to alternative care.
These attacks on health facilities occurred in the same week as the looting of a 12-boat convoy between 30 January and 1 February, carrying more than 1,500 metric tons of food assistance for approximately 73,000 people in Baliet County.
“Attacks against clearly marked medical facilities and barriers to humanitarian operations constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law,” Ms. Gbeho said.
Since the resurgence of the conflict last year, humanitarian operations have been increasingly constrained by movement restrictions, suspended flights and insecurity along key supply routes. Ms. Gbeho warned that any further disruption risks cutting off vulnerable communities from life-saving assistance, while a worsening cholera outbreak threatens to spread due to limited access to health, WASH and disease surveillance services.
“The violence must stop” Ms. Gbeho said, calling on all parties to the conflict and authorities at all levels to cease attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets, lift access restrictions, ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access, investigate incidents, hold those responsible accountable, and uphold their obligations to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
