Fresh clashes in Jonglei state have propelled nearly 280,000 people from their homes across eight counties, compounding what the UN calls a “perfect storm” of conflict, climate shocks, and deprivation (OCHA, Feb 23, 2026). Health centres have been damaged or looted, humanitarian workers attacked and killed, and cholera, which began in Sept 2024, continues to spread, with more than 98,000 cases and 1,624 deaths nationally to date.

Displaced families shelter in the open or makeshift camps, with disrupted markets and agricultural cycles turning protection problems into survival crises. Humanitarian access is inconsistent despite government pledges; looting of convoys and insecurity hamper scaled food and medical deliveries (WFP, OCHA, Feb 2026). Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher’s mission underscores the wider challenge: relief without peace is a short-term reprieve while structural drivers of violence remain unaddressed.

Human rights implications are stark. Civilians, including children and the elderly, are being shot, abducted, and sexually assaulted amid near‑impunity. Donors must fund scaled protection, disease control and peace initiatives while pressing authorities to guarantee safe humanitarian corridors and accountability for attacks on civilians and aid personnel.

Sources: UNOCHA, WFP, Tom Fletcher statements, Feb 2026