South Sudan is spiraling toward a severe humanitarian catastrophe, the United Nations warned in a stark address to the Security Council.
UN envoy Nicholas Haysom described the situation as among the worst since the country’s 2011 independence, citing conflict, economic collapse, and climate extremes.
He said 9.3 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, with 7.7 million facing acute food insecurity across the fragile nation.
“Conflict dynamics may steer South Sudan dangerously off track,” Haysom cautioned, pointing to growing instability fueled by internal strife and spillover from Sudan.
The UN blames worsening subnational violence and declining international support for deepening the crisis across already-vulnerable communities.
Haysom urged all parties to prioritize dialogue, restore trust, and recommit to the fragile Revitalized Peace Agreement.
He emphasized that the peace deal remains South Sudan’s best hope to escape its cycle of violence and looming famine.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), active since 2011, has had its mandate extended until April 2025 to support long-term stability.
The Security Council reaffirmed that UNMISS remains critical in preventing a return to civil war and promoting peace and security in the region.
Despite international efforts, Haysom’s warning paints a grim picture of a nation at a dangerous crossroads.