 has reported alarming increases in conflict-related violence across the country between January and March 2025. According to the report, 739 civilians were killed, 679 injured, 149 abducted, and 40 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported alarming increases in conflict-related violence across the country between January and March 2025. According to the report, 739 civilians were killed, 679 injured, 149 abducted, and 40 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
These figures mark a dramatic escalation—an 86% increase in overall victims (from 866 to 1,607), a 110% rise in civilian deaths (from 352 to 739), and a 94% jump in injuries (from 350 to 679). Abductions increased from 129 to 149, and CRSV cases from 35 to 40.
Warrap State was the most affected, with 428 deaths and 298 injuries. Central Equatoria also saw a sharp rise, with a 260% increase in victims and the highest number of abductions.
The number of child victims rose from 114 to 171. Women and girls continued to be disproportionately affected, making up 98% of documented victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, expressed concern over the growing involvement of armed groups:
“Conventional parties to the conflict and other armed groups were responsible for 15% of the victims—a 27% increase from the previous reporting period.”
He stressed that the escalation in violence undermines the protection of civilians and violates human rights and humanitarian law:
“It is the Government’s primary responsibility to protect civilians and prevent conflicts. UNMISS supports these efforts through thousands of land, air, and river patrols, local peacebuilding initiatives, and the deployment of mobile courts to remote areas.”