South Sudan is facing “one of the worst humanitarian outlooks” since its independence, a top UN official warned on Wednesday.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), told the Security Council about the sharp decline in the country’s political and security situation.
Escalating subnational violence, the impact of the Sudan conflict, economic collapse, extreme weather, and reduced international aid are driving this crisis.
Haysom stated that regional instability is exacerbating the situation in South Sudan, where approximately 9.3 million people require assistance.
Alarmingly, 7.7 million individuals are suffering from acute food insecurity.
He emphasised the significant and growing risk that current conflict dynamics could severely derail South Sudan’s progress.
Haysom urged all involved parties to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust, and refocus on the existing peace agreement, which he called the only viable path to break the cycle of violence in the nation.
The UNMISS mandate, extended until April 30, 2025, aims to prevent a return to civil war and further violence in South Sudan.
