As international attention shifts elsewhere, South Sudan’s ongoing conflict is receiving diminishing focus at the highest levels, including within the UN Security Council. Yet on the ground, the situation continues to deteriorate, particularly in the northern regions of Jonglei State and Upper Nile.

The United Nations’ humanitarian leadership has raised urgent concerns, describing conditions in these areas as deeply alarming and in need of an immediate response. Aid agencies are being called upon to scale up efforts to deliver essential support to vulnerable communities caught in the conflict, especially in Upper Nile and surrounding war-affected regions.

Renewed fighting in northern Jonglei and Upper Nile has left thousands of civilians without shelter or basic necessities. Entire homes have been destroyed as clashes intensify between rival forces in areas such as Waat and Walgak. Reports indicate that government troops are preparing an advance towards Akoba County, widely regarded as the last stronghold of SPLA-IO forces.

Speaking in Juba on Monday, the UN’s humanitarian chief described the situation as dire. Severe hunger is gripping the population, with many facing daily threats to survival. In some communities, people are reportedly resorting to eating tree leaves due to the absence of food and basic supplies.

The warning comes as violence continues to escalate in Jonglei State. Despite claims by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of plans to capture Akoba County, SPLA-IO forces remain determined to push government troops back. Akoba is now home to thousands of internally displaced civilians who are trapped amid the fighting.

Humanitarian officials are also raising the alarm over the growing risk of cholera outbreaks and deepening poverty among affected populations. The UN is urging all parties to prioritise civilian protection and commit to a ceasefire in order to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.