Hunger Crisis Deepens in South Sudan Amid Conflict and Floods
A devastating hunger crisis is intensifying in South Sudan, with over 7.55 million people at risk of malnutrition during the April-to-July lean season, according to a recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global food security watchdog.
The dire warning comes as the country grapples with renewed conflict between rival factions, including President Salva Kiir and his main political rival Riek Machar, who is facing trial on treason charges. The situation has led to widespread displacement, with over 445,000 people forced to flee their homes, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The IPC report paints a grim picture of acute malnutrition in South Sudan, with approximately 5.97 million people currently facing severe food insecurity. In some areas, entire communities are being isolated due to insecurity, looting, and flooding, making it impossible for aid organizations to access them.
The World Food Programme's country director, Mary-Ellen McGroarty, described the situation as "deeply troubling" and warned that if efforts to sustain momentum in peace-building and humanitarian response are not maintained, progress will be lost. She emphasized the urgent need for a large-scale response to address the crisis.
Renewed fighting has killed nearly 2,000 people this year, and floods have further exacerbated the situation. The IPC report projects that six counties will hit critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with over 2.1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition by June next year, and 1.15 million women facing the same risk. The IPC report described this as an "alarming trajectory" that requires immediate attention to prevent further suffering.
South Sudan's ongoing humanitarian emergency is rooted in a complex web of crises, including civil war, political instability, and ethnic tensions. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has experienced repeated cycles of violence, peace agreements, and fragile power-sharing arrangements, which have failed to address underlying issues.
With Machar's imprisonment and trial, the situation is facing its most serious recent test. The IPC report serves as a stark reminder of the dire need for sustained international support and cooperation to address this crisis and prevent further suffering in South Sudan.
A devastating hunger crisis is intensifying in South Sudan, with over 7.55 million people at risk of malnutrition during the April-to-July lean season, according to a recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global food security watchdog.
The dire warning comes as the country grapples with renewed conflict between rival factions, including President Salva Kiir and his main political rival Riek Machar, who is facing trial on treason charges. The situation has led to widespread displacement, with over 445,000 people forced to flee their homes, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The IPC report paints a grim picture of acute malnutrition in South Sudan, with approximately 5.97 million people currently facing severe food insecurity. In some areas, entire communities are being isolated due to insecurity, looting, and flooding, making it impossible for aid organizations to access them.
The World Food Programme's country director, Mary-Ellen McGroarty, described the situation as "deeply troubling" and warned that if efforts to sustain momentum in peace-building and humanitarian response are not maintained, progress will be lost. She emphasized the urgent need for a large-scale response to address the crisis.
Renewed fighting has killed nearly 2,000 people this year, and floods have further exacerbated the situation. The IPC report projects that six counties will hit critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with over 2.1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition by June next year, and 1.15 million women facing the same risk. The IPC report described this as an "alarming trajectory" that requires immediate attention to prevent further suffering.
South Sudan's ongoing humanitarian emergency is rooted in a complex web of crises, including civil war, political instability, and ethnic tensions. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has experienced repeated cycles of violence, peace agreements, and fragile power-sharing arrangements, which have failed to address underlying issues.
With Machar's imprisonment and trial, the situation is facing its most serious recent test. The IPC report serves as a stark reminder of the dire need for sustained international support and cooperation to address this crisis and prevent further suffering in South Sudan.
i mean, its just another african country with problems, right? its not like anyone else isnt struggling anywhere else in the world 
. 7.55 million people at risk of malnutrition yeah sure, thats a lot but like whats the diff? we got more pressing issues here like climate change 
or whatever. and whats up with this food programme thingy? why can't they just send aid to places that really need it instead of always making a big deal about south sudan? 
... and now we're dealing with another disaster on our hands. It's heartbreaking to think that millions of people are struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare in South Sudan. The thought of kids under five and pregnant women being at risk of malnutrition is just devastating 
.
We need to come together as a global community to support South Sudan and find a lasting solution to this crisis. It's not just about throwing aid money at the problem, though that's gotta help too 
I'm literally dying over here thinking about those 2.1 million kids under five who are at risk of acute malnutrition by June 
Like, what's going on in South Sudan?! Can't we just get some peace for once?! 
The thought of entire communities being isolated due to insecurity and looting is just heartbreaking 
Can someone please tell me how I can help? 
I'm literally shaking my head over here... like, have we forgotten that there's a whole world outside our screens? 
This hunger crisis in South Sudan is just heartbreaking. 7.55 million people at risk of malnutrition? That's like, almost the entire population of Australia! 
I'm all for innovation and progress, but let's not forget about the people who need help most. We should be supporting organizations like the World Food Programme and the Red Cross, rather than just talking about social justice on Twitter. 
war floods is enough for anyone but now its like theyre having to fight for their lives 
the fact that half the population is at risk of malnutrition is just devastating 2.1 million kids cant even get proper food or healthcare in peace times let alone during war 
what more do these politicians need to do before they step up their game ?! 
. Our world is so messed up right now 
. We need to keep pushing for peace and stability in South Sudan 
so these children and women can grow up healthy and safe. It's just not right 
How can a country be expected to recover from all this chaos? And it's not just the people who are suffering, but also the children 
They're the most vulnerable, and it breaks my heart thinking about them going without food or water.