UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday strongly condemned escalating violence in South Sudan, warning civilians are paying the heaviest price.
He said nearly 10 million people require life-saving humanitarian assistance as conflict deepens suffering across the fragile nation.
In a message posted on X, Guterres urged all parties to immediately halt military operations and pursue de-escalation through dialogue.
He called for respect for international law, protection of civilians, and guaranteed access and security for humanitarian and peacekeeping workers.
The violence has battered aid efforts, with fighting, attacks, and looting forcing the closure of essential humanitarian and health services.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said civilians and aid workers face grave risks as operations are increasingly paralysed.
At least 11 healthcare facilities have been attacked in Jonglei State since late December, severely disrupting critical medical services.
Twelve vehicles, including an ambulance, were seized during the attacks, further weakening emergency response capacity, Haq said.
Recent incidents include attacks on a World Food Programme convoy, an airstrike on a Doctors Without Borders hospital, and arson at a Save the Children office.
Haq said the blatant disregard for medical and humanitarian operations was unacceptable and must stop immediately.
More than 370,000 people have been displaced by fighting this year, including over 280,000 in Jonglei State alone.
The displacement crisis is unfolding alongside a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak, compounding South Sudan’s humanitarian emergency.
