What's happened
Fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state has intensified, prompting a mass evacuation from Akobo as government forces prepare for an assault. Civilians, aid workers, and UN personnel are fleeing amid ongoing clashes and reports of troop movements, worsening the humanitarian crisis and threatening fragile peace efforts.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation in Jonglei underscores the fragility of South Sudan's peace process. The government's aggressive stance and the opposition's resilience threaten to plunge the country into full-scale civil war again. The evacuation of civilians and aid workers highlights the deteriorating security situation, which will likely lead to increased displacement and humanitarian suffering. The international community's warnings and diplomatic efforts appear insufficient to prevent further violence, and the upcoming military assault on Akobo could significantly alter the country's trajectory. The conflict's persistence exposes the deep-rooted political and ethnic divisions, making sustainable peace unlikely without comprehensive negotiations and regional intervention.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the South Sudanese army ordered UN peacekeepers and aid workers to vacate Akobo, but the mission refused, citing the need to protect civilians. The article details the ongoing clashes, displacement, and humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the international concern. AP News confirms the evacuation and reports the escalation of fighting, with government forces preparing for an assault. Both sources highlight the deteriorating security and the risk of a full-scale conflict resurgence. Al Jazeera provides context on the broader civil war, noting recent attacks and atrocities committed by various factions, including the RSF and opposition forces, and discusses the international legal investigations into war crimes. The reports collectively portray a country on the brink of renewed chaos, with humanitarian operations severely impacted and regional stability at risk.
How we got here
The conflict in South Sudan has been ongoing since the breakdown of the 2018 peace deal, with renewed fighting escalating in December 2025. Opposition forces seized key outposts, leading to large-scale displacement and humanitarian crises. Akobo, a strategic opposition-held town, has become a focal point amid fears of a government offensive, with UN peacekeepers and aid agencies caught in the crossfire.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Happening in South Sudan’s Akobo Region?
Recent clashes in South Sudan’s Akobo region have sparked a major humanitarian crisis, with civilians and aid workers evacuating amid escalating violence. This page explores what’s driving the conflict, how it impacts peace efforts, and what the current humanitarian situation looks like. If you’re wondering why people are fleeing, what’s causing the fighting, or how this affects South Sudan’s fragile peace, you’re in the right place. Read on for clear answers to your questions about this urgent crisis.
-
Why Is Fighting Escalating in South Sudan Now?
The conflict in South Sudan has recently intensified, especially in Jonglei state, leading to widespread displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Many are asking why the fighting is escalating and what it means for civilians and aid efforts. Below, we explore the key questions about the current situation and what might happen next.
-
What’s Next for Iran and US Tensions?
The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated significantly, with military strikes and political threats shaping the future of the region. Many wonder what the next steps will be and how this conflict might evolve. Below, we explore key questions about the current situation, regional implications, and potential paths toward peace or further escalation.
More on these topics
-
Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon is a South Sudanese politician who serves as the first Vice President of South Sudan.
-
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is a United Nations peacekeeping mission for South Sudan, which became independent on 9 July 2011. UNMISS was established on 8 July 2011 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1996.
-
South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Ethiopia, to the north by Sudan, to the west by the Central African Republic, to the south-west by Democratic Repub
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.