By: Ginaba Lino
United Nations agencies have warned that populations in two counties in South Sudan are at risk of famine in the coming months, as escalating conflict in Upper Nile State continues to destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods, and block the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In a joint report, the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) cited new findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)showing a sharp deterioration in food and nutrition conditions in conflict-affected regions.
FAO Country Representative in South Sudan, Meshack Malo, stressed that renewed violence will push already vulnerable communities into deeper food insecurity.
“South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time,” said Malo. “It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger, as farmers will be prevented from working their land.”
He also emphasized that humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas remains severely constrained, especially during the lean season when support is most needed.
The report found that 66% of Upper Nile State’s population—1.04 million people—are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3), Emergency (IPC Phase 4), or Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of hunger.
Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan, expressed concern over the worsening crisis, emphasizing the devastating effects of continued conflict.
“Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods—it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and drives food prices up,” she said.
“Long-term peace is essential, but right now, our teams need urgent access to safely distribute food and prevent famine.”
Meanwhile, UNICEF Country Representative Noala Skinner highlighted the alarming rise in malnutrition among children and mothers, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak in Upper Nile and Unity States.
“The number of children at risk of acute malnutrition across South Sudan has risen to 2.3 million, from 2.1 million earlier this year,” said Skinner.
“These latest projections place another 200,000 young children at high risk.”
Ongoing insecurity, site closures, and disease outbreaks are severely limiting early treatment and life-saving interventions, leaving countless young lives at risk.