South Sudan's humanitarian crisis is spiraling out of control, with thousands more fleeing fighting between government forces and rebels, leaving many without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
Ajok Ding Duot, who fled her home in Jonglei state two weeks ago, said she and her family had little choice but to turn to wild fruits and nuts to survive. "We don't know anything about what the government is doing," she told Al Jazeera, her eyes filled with desperation. "They're fighting, but we don't know what the problem is."
Duot's story is just one of many as South Sudan's conflict continues to intensify. The United Nations estimates that 280,000 people have been displaced since late December, including over 235,000 in Jonglei alone. Children are particularly at risk, with UNICEF warning that over 450,000 are facing acute malnutrition due to the lack of medical services and critical care.
The World Food Programme has suspended its operations in a county in Upper Nile state after repeated attacks on convoys carrying humanitarian aid. The organization's health facilities have also been targeted, forcing staff to flee and leaving thousands without access to healthcare.
One woman described being subjected to sexual violence as she fled her home, while UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. "The escalation of hostilities has resulted in an alarming humanitarian situation, with civilians continuing to be affected," he said.
Guterres called on all parties to immediately halt military operations and de-escalate tensions through dialogue. He also urged governments and international organizations to prioritize protecting civilians, ensuring safe access for aid workers and the security of their assets.
The crisis has left nearly 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, a country still reeling from a devastating civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people between 2013 and 2018. The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the rise in violence, particularly against civilians, including women and children.
Humanitarian organizations are under pressure to deliver aid safely, but so far, their efforts have been hindered by attacks and looting on both sides of the conflict. Doctors Without Borders has reported that its medical facilities in Jonglei were targeted, forcing them to suspend healthcare services.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, it's clear that South Sudan's humanitarian crisis requires urgent attention from governments, international organizations, and civil society. The world is watching, but the fate of these millions hangs precariously in the balance.
Ajok Ding Duot, who fled her home in Jonglei state two weeks ago, said she and her family had little choice but to turn to wild fruits and nuts to survive. "We don't know anything about what the government is doing," she told Al Jazeera, her eyes filled with desperation. "They're fighting, but we don't know what the problem is."
Duot's story is just one of many as South Sudan's conflict continues to intensify. The United Nations estimates that 280,000 people have been displaced since late December, including over 235,000 in Jonglei alone. Children are particularly at risk, with UNICEF warning that over 450,000 are facing acute malnutrition due to the lack of medical services and critical care.
The World Food Programme has suspended its operations in a county in Upper Nile state after repeated attacks on convoys carrying humanitarian aid. The organization's health facilities have also been targeted, forcing staff to flee and leaving thousands without access to healthcare.
One woman described being subjected to sexual violence as she fled her home, while UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. "The escalation of hostilities has resulted in an alarming humanitarian situation, with civilians continuing to be affected," he said.
Guterres called on all parties to immediately halt military operations and de-escalate tensions through dialogue. He also urged governments and international organizations to prioritize protecting civilians, ensuring safe access for aid workers and the security of their assets.
The crisis has left nearly 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, a country still reeling from a devastating civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people between 2013 and 2018. The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the rise in violence, particularly against civilians, including women and children.
Humanitarian organizations are under pressure to deliver aid safely, but so far, their efforts have been hindered by attacks and looting on both sides of the conflict. Doctors Without Borders has reported that its medical facilities in Jonglei were targeted, forcing them to suspend healthcare services.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, it's clear that South Sudan's humanitarian crisis requires urgent attention from governments, international organizations, and civil society. The world is watching, but the fate of these millions hangs precariously in the balance.
I'm worried about all these reports of people having to resort to eating wild fruits & nuts just to survive. It's crazy that there are 280k+ people displaced since Dec and it's not like the UN is doing anything new to stop it 
. We need better solutions than just suspending aid convoys, that's just putting more lives at risk. I'm also thinking why isn't the gov focusing on protecting civilians instead of fighting? We can't just sit back & watch as millions suffer. It's time for real change 
.
this is so sad... i mean, what can be more heartbreaking than people having to fight for food & water? 
it's not like they're asking for much, just basic human rights & dignity. but i guess that's what happens when you have politicians who don't care about their own citizens' well-being. 
that's like, a huge number, right? and it's not just the lack of food, but also the healthcare stuff. i mean, who needs medicine when you have bullets flying around everywhere? 
. I feel bad for Ajok Ding Duot and all those people stuck in the middle of this conflict. It's not like they're asking for much - just access to basic necessities. The UN chief's calls for de-escalation are reasonable, but how can you expect dialogue to happen when both sides are getting hit with attacks? 
. And on top of all this, women and children are getting caught in the crossfire - it's just horrific.
. It's not that hard to find common ground, right? I mean, we're all human beings here... 
. Can't we just try to help each other out?
. what's wrong with these governments and rebel groups? can't they see how much suffering they're causing? 
.
but im guessin thats not rite 4 now. the world needs 2 step in & help these ppl out ASAP 
450k kids at risk of malnourishment... what's the world doin'?! 
. It's like, what are we even doing here? We know that conflict is bad news for civilians, but can't we do something more than just talk about it?