South Sudan: Escalating Conflict Displaces 280,000 in Jonglei State – February 2026 Update

February 15, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

Escalating conflict in Jonglei State, South Sudan, is driving mass displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people affected since late December 2025. The clashes between the South Sudan People’s defence Forces (SSPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-iO) are severely limiting access to essential aid and services for vulnerable populations.

A Growing Humanitarian Crisis

As of February 13th, an estimated 280,000 people have been displaced across Jonglei State, according to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC). This includes significant numbers in Uror (105,400), Nyirol (57,200) and Duk (27,100) counties. Secondary displacement is also being reported to Upper Nile and Lakes states, with thousands arriving in Mingkaman and Ulang County.

Did You Know? Since the escalation of the conflict in Jonglei State in late December 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has conducted more than 600 surgeries on patients with weapon wounds.

Health System Under Strain

The fighting is taking a devastating toll on the health infrastructure. Twelve health facilities have been looted or partially destroyed since the start of hostilities – four each in Uror and Nyirol, three in Ayod, and one in Duk. This disruption severely limits access to care, particularly for women and children. A cholera outbreak, which began in September 2024, is compounding the crisis, with 98,195 cumulative cases and 1,619 deaths reported as of February 12th.

Protection Risks and Violence

UNICEF has warned of grave protection risks facing displaced children, including killing, maiming, recruitment into armed groups, family separation, gender-based violence, and psychological distress. Disturbing reports have emerged of violence against civilians, including the alleged detention and sexual assault of seven women near Walgak Town, Akobo County, resulting in one fatality. Two children were injured and one teenage boy killed by suspected unexploded ordnance in Uror County.

Expert Insight: The targeting of health facilities and the reported incidents of sexual violence highlight a deeply concerning pattern of disregard for civilian protection and international humanitarian law. The disruption of essential services, coupled with the mass displacement, creates a volatile environment where vulnerabilities are significantly heightened.

Humanitarian Response and Challenges

Despite significant challenges, humanitarian organizations are working to provide assistance. UNICEF has delivered 2.5 metric tons of life-saving supplies to Akobo, including medical items and therapeutic food. MSF has established a 30-bed Cholera Treatment Centre in Poktap, Duk County. The ICRC is providing surgical care and medical supplies to hospitals in Akobo and other locations. An inter-agency assessment mission is currently underway in Duk County and Twic East County to evaluate the needs of affected communities.

However, humanitarian access remains a major concern. Sixteen humanitarian vehicles have been commandeered by the SPLA-iO group in Duk, Ayod, Uror, Akobo, and Nyirol counties, hindering aid delivery. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Albino Akol Atak, has indicated assurances have been obtained for resumed operations, but continued constraints remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current displacement situation in Jonglei State?

According to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, more than 280,000 people are displaced across eight counties in Jonglei State, with the largest numbers in Uror, Nyirol, and Duk.

What are the main health concerns in the affected areas?

The main health concerns are the disruption of health services due to damaged and looted facilities, and a rising cholera outbreak with 98,195 cases and 1,619 deaths reported as of February 12th.

What is being done to address the humanitarian crisis?

Humanitarian organizations like UNICEF, MSF, ICRC, and WHO are providing life-saving supplies, establishing treatment centers, and conducting assessments, but access constraints remain a significant challenge.

As the situation continues to evolve, will sustained humanitarian access and a commitment to peaceful dialogue be enough to mitigate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire?