What's happened
Recent reports project over 7.5 million South Sudanese will face crisis-level hunger in 2026, driven by conflict, flooding, and access issues. The situation is compounded by ongoing violence, economic instability, and disrupted food systems, with millions at risk of malnutrition and famine. Humanitarian access remains critically limited.
What's behind the headline?
The worsening hunger crisis in South Sudan is a direct consequence of persistent conflict and climate shocks. The IPC reports highlight that over half the population will face crisis or worse levels of hunger, with some counties at risk of famine. The situation is exacerbated by restricted humanitarian access, looting, and flooding, which isolate communities and prevent aid delivery. The political instability, including renewed fighting and stalled peace processes, fuels displacement and disrupts food production. This crisis underscores the importance of sustained peace and improved access for aid agencies. The international community’s response must prioritize restoring stability and agricultural resilience. Without decisive action, the risk of famine and catastrophic malnutrition will increase, threatening millions of vulnerable lives. The crisis also reveals how intertwined conflict, climate, and economic factors are in driving food insecurity, making recovery complex and urgent.
What the papers say
All Africa reports that over 7.5 million people in South Sudan will face crisis or worse hunger levels in 2026, with more than two million children at risk of malnutrition. The report emphasizes that insecurity, flooding, and poor infrastructure are blocking aid and access to food. Al Jazeera highlights the political instability, including renewed fighting and the threat of civil war, which worsens the humanitarian crisis. Both sources agree that conflict and access issues are central to the worsening food security situation, with the IPC warning of a potential famine in some counties. The contrasting perspectives focus on the political developments versus the on-the-ground humanitarian impact, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the crisis.
How we got here
South Sudan's food security has long been fragile due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and climatic shocks. Despite peace efforts, violence and instability persist, disrupting agricultural cycles and access to markets. The country’s complex web of crises has led to severe malnutrition and food shortages, especially in conflict-affected regions, with recent reports warning of a worsening humanitarian situation in 2026.
Go deeper
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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
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The World Food Programme is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.