New York, February 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday strongly condemned the escalating violence in South Sudan, urging all parties to immediately halt military operations as millions of civilians face an acute humanitarian crisis.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Guterres said nearly 10 million people in South Sudan require life-saving humanitarian assistance and continue to bear the brunt of ongoing conflict. He called on all sides to “immediately and decisively halt all military operations, de-escalate tensions through dialogue, uphold international law, protect civilians,” and ensure safe access for humanitarian workers and peacekeeping personnel.
The UN chief’s remarks come amid reports of intensified fighting, attacks, and looting of humanitarian and health facilities, which have severely disrupted aid operations and shut down essential services. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said such incidents have placed both civilians and aid workers at serious risk.
According to the United Nations, at least 11 healthcare facilities have been attacked across Jonglei State since late December, disrupting critical medical services. These attacks have also resulted in the seizure of 12 vehicles, including an ambulance.
Haq cited recent incidents including repeated attacks on a convoy of the World Food Programme, an airstrike on a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders, and the burning of a field office belonging to Save the Children.
“This clear disregard for medical and humanitarian operations is unacceptable and must stop,” Haq said.
The violence has also triggered large-scale displacement. More than 370,000 people have been displaced by fighting so far this year, including over 280,000 in Jonglei State alone, as the country grapples with a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that continued insecurity and attacks on humanitarian infrastructure risk deepening an already dire humanitarian emergency in South Sudan.
