Anita Kiki Gbeho, new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (unmiss), appointed after his death on 11 April Famous Predecessors Nicholas HaysomUnderlined the worsening situation in the country since the last briefing at the beginning of the year.
Fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (also known as the army in the opposition) has intensified, especially in Jonglei State, and citizens are suffering the consequences.
The United Nations has given a report 40 percent increase in deaths and injuries in 2025 compared to 2024 and warned that Intercommunal violence persists In parts of Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap, fueled by cattle raiding, land disputes and counter-attacks.
The day Ms. Gbeho briefed the Council, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed serious concern On reports that bodies have been found in Jonglei during recent road construction work, it has warned The true human cost of resurgent violence in the country could be much higher than currently known.
UNMISS peacekeeping patrol. (file photo)
Less money means more transactions
The escalating fighting and rights abuses have coincided with UNMISS budget cuts, which have forced the mission to scale back some activities. Ms Gbeho commented Operating capacity has been reduced by 24 to 30 percent.
While peacekeepers were able to protect civilians following violent incidents in Akobo and Abimanhom, Ms. Gbeho pointed out that their long-term presence is not financially sustainable under current budget conditions.
The reduction in mine action capability has limited the mission’s ability to address explosive threats while supporting patrol and site security, he said, resulting in Delay in responding to humanitarian requests In high-risk areas like Jonglei.
Peacekeepers have little ability to connect with local authorities, traditional leaders and communities. This impacts early warning, trust building and visibility, which risks reducing trust and increasing the potential for misinformation.
The Head of Mission underlined the dilemma facing UNMISS and the Council: “The scale and urgency of the needs on the ground,” he said, “have not yet been matched by the type of sustained commitment and investment required to fully deliver on the shared ambition of a sustainable path to peace.”
‘A dangerous intersection’
The devastating humanitarian crisis in South Sudan was highlighted by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, who told the Council that the world’s youngest nation “stands at a dangerous crossroads.
This year, he said, around Two-thirds of the population will need humanitarian assistance, Yet the UN’s $1.46 billion humanitarian plan is only 22 percent funded.
Mr Fletcher cited recent figures from the World Health Organization (Who), which shows that 1.35 million people in Jonglei have lost access to healthcare after 26 facilities were destroyed or forced to close. Cholera is on the rise, and measles persists.
On a recent visit to Jonglei, Mr. Fletcher was told by local women that they had fled extreme violence, that their homes had been burned and people “butchered like a goat“.
The fighting in Upper Nile state is equally worrying, he said, with fighting, access restrictions and interference with UN humanitarian operations blocking aid.
Emergency levels of food insecurity are expected in all 10 states of South Sudan during the lean season, which starts this month and runs until July: More than 7.5 million people will need food aid this yearR.
aid under fire
Faced with many challenges, peacekeepers and aid workers in South Sudan continue to support the population.
In Jonglei alone, more than 113,000 people have already received food this year, and UN partners have provided more than 14 tons of emergency health supplies, and thousands of water, sanitation and hygiene kits.
Despite the obstacles, the mission has been able to do soContinue credible human rights monitoring and reportingWhich has contributed to improvements in detention oversight and the release of arbitrarily detained persons.
UNMISS also continues Support access to justice In areas where formal institutions have long been absent, retaliatory measures, through mobile and specialized courts, help reduce the cycle of violence and rebuild trust in state authority.
