The United Nations’ top humanitarian official has warned that South Sudan is at risk of sliding into famine, as conflict, hunger and displacement intensify while international funding falls short.
Tom Fletcher told the UN Security Council on Friday that the situation in the world’s youngest nation is rapidly deteriorating, following his recent visit to the country.
“The world’s youngest nation stands at a dangerous crossroads,” he said, describing a growing sense of “despair and abandonment” among civilians.
Fletcher said key indicators of crisis are all worsening simultaneously.
“Conflict up. Displacement up. Hunger up. Disease up. Attacks on aid workers up. Funding down,” he told council members.
He warned that without urgent intervention, the country could tip into full-scale famine.
“I fear my next briefing to you on South Sudan will speak of famine,” he said, adding that more than 7.5 million people are expected to need food assistance this year.
According to the UN, two-thirds of South Sudan’s population will require humanitarian aid in 2026, but the $1.46 billion response plan is only 22% funded.
Fletcher urged the Security Council to act immediately, calling for unhindered humanitarian access, increased and flexible funding, and pressure on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
He also stressed that humanitarian assistance alone would not resolve the crisis, warning that a lasting solution depends on progress toward peace.
“Humanitarian action can save lives, but only peace can end this crisis,” he said.
South Sudan has faced years of instability since gaining independence in 2011, with recurring violence, political tensions and economic hardship driving one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.