Guterres condemns the escalating violence in South Sudan as aid operations come under fire

In a statement from his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq on Saturday: the UN chief said nearly 10 million people – “more than two-thirds of the population” – now require life-saving humanitarian assistance and “continue to bear the brunt of the conflict”.

He expressed deep concern about the fighting, attacks and looting affecting humanitarian and healthcare facilities, as well as restrictions on movement and insecurity along key supply routes.

These conditions, the statement said, are “paralyzing humanitarian operations and cutting off essential services, putting civilians, including aid workers, at serious risk”.

Healthcare services under attack

Since late December, at least 11 healthcare facilities have been attacked in Jonglei State alone, disrupting crucial services for communities already under severe pressure. Twelve vehicles, including an ambulance, were also seized in the attacks.

“In the past week alone,” the statement said, incidents that have occurred include:repeated attacks on a World Food Program (WFP) convoy, an airstrike on a hospital run by leading NGO Doctors Without Borders, and the burning of a Save the Children field office and the destruction of the health centre.”

The Secretary General said that “this clear disregard for medical and humanitarian operations is unacceptable and must stop”, emphasizing that such work “must be facilitated and respected”.

The violence has led to mass displacement, with more than 370,000 people driven from their homes so far this year, including more than 280,000 in Jonglei State, amid a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence from Khartoum in 2011 but quickly descended into a brutal civil conflict marked by political rivalry, ethnic violence and repeated failed peace deals.

An “immediate and decisive” end to the fighting is needed

Despite a 2018 agreement, insecurity and local fighting continue to undermine stability and recovery.

The UN chief called on all parties to “immediately and decisively cease all military operations,” de-escalate tensions through dialogue, uphold international law, protect civilians and ensure safe, sustainable humanitarian access, including the safety of aid workers and UN peacekeepers.