Anita Kiki Gbeho, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), took over her position on 11 April after the passing of her predecessor Nicholas Haysom. In a recent briefing to the Security Council, she highlighted the worsening conditions in the country since the last update at the beginning of the year.
Conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, also known as the Army in Opposition, has escalated, particularly in Jonglei state, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The UN has reported a 40% increase in deaths and injuries in 2025 compared to 2024, cautioning that intercommunal violence persists in various regions due to cattle raiding, land disputes, and retaliatory attacks.
During Ms. Gbeho’s briefing, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed deep concern over the discovery of bodies in Jonglei during road construction, suggesting that the true toll of the country’s renewed violence may be much higher than currently known.
The escalating conflict and human rights violations are occurring alongside budget cuts to UNMISS, leading to a reduction in operational capacity by 24 to 30%. Ms. Gbeho noted that the Mission's ability to protect civilians and clear explosive hazards has been compromised, resulting in delays in responding to humanitarian needs, particularly in high-risk areas like Jonglei.
The diminished resources have also impacted engagement with local authorities and communities, affecting early warning systems and trust-building efforts, potentially leading to misinformation.
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, stating that the nation is at a critical juncture. Around two-thirds of the population will require humanitarian aid this year, yet the UN's $1.46 billion Humanitarian Plan is only 22% funded.
Recent data from the World Health Organization revealed that 1.35 million people in Jonglei have lost access to healthcare due to facility destruction. Cholera cases are increasing, and measles remains a concern. Mr. Fletcher recounted stories from local women in Jonglei who described fleeing extreme violence, witnessing their homes being destroyed, and people being killed.
Food insecurity is expected to reach emergency levels across all ten states of South Sudan during the lean season, with over 7.5 million people needing food assistance this year.
Despite the challenges, peacekeepers and aid workers in South Sudan are working tirelessly to support the population. In Jonglei alone, over 113,000 people have already received food aid this year, and emergency health supplies have been distributed. UNMISS continues to monitor human rights and support access to justice in areas lacking formal institutions, aiming to reduce violence and restore trust in state authority.
