Anita Kiki Gbeho, the new Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), detailed a severe deterioration in the country's conditions.
Fighting has intensified, particularly in Jonglei state, with civilians bearing the brunt. The UN reported a 40% increase in deaths and injuries compared to last year. Intercommunal violence persists, driven by land disputes and retaliatory attacks. Reports of discovered bodies in Jonglei during roadworks suggest the true human cost of violence may be significantly greater than known.
These abuses coincide with UNMISS budget cuts, reducing operational capacity by 24-30%. Mine action capacity has diminished, delaying humanitarian responses in high-risk areas. Peacekeepers have less capacity to engage with local communities, risking eroded trust and misinformation.
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated South Sudan is at a dangerous crossroads. Two-thirds of the population will need humanitarian assistance, yet the UN's Humanitarian Plan is only 22% funded. Healthcare access is lost for many, and cholera and measles are rising. Over 7.5 million people will need food assistance this year.
Despite challenges, peacekeepers and aid workers continue support. Food, health supplies, and hygiene kits are being distributed. UNMISS monitors human rights and supports access to justice through courts, helping to reduce retaliatory violence and rebuild confidence in state authority.