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UNICEF South Sudan Humanitarian Flash Update (Conflict in Jonglei State), 16 March 2026
ReliefWeb Updates2 hours agoWC Score: 45
WarCast Score
45/100
GPT Reference
30/100
Summary
Country: South Sudan
Source: UN Children's Fund
Please refer to the attached file.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
An order to leave Akobo town in Jonglei state was issued on 6th March. Staff from UN agencies and non-government organizations have left the town and civilians have fled. An estimated 100,000 people have crossed the border into Ethiopia, and others have moved to safer areas in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. All those receiving treatment in Akobo hospital – previously a safe haven for the sick and injured – have left. Reports confirm that the hospital has been looted and is now closed.
UNICEF has confirmed reports that 28 health and nutrition facilities in Jonglei have been destroyed, looted or suspended since 1st January with many health and nutrition supplies taken. This is against a continuing cholera outbreak with 149 cases and 19 deaths in Ayod and rising cases in Duk and Uror counties (12th March 2026).
On January 1st 2026, over 6,000 children were being treated for acute malnutrition across Jonglei state, a 60 per cent increase from 2025. Since then armed clashes have displaced more than 263,000 people, leaving many malnourished children without access to services or therapeutic food. Recent assessments in areas with displaced families revealed a quarter of all children under five years were suffering from acute malnutrition, well above the 15% emergency threshold. 7 per cent of the children assessed had severe acute malnutrition, the severest form for children.
Looting of supplies has increased across the country. Since January UNICEF has recorded 17 incidents in Warrap, Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states, with over 80% happening in Jonglei. As well as infrastructure being damaged and vandalized, critical health, nutrition and water purification and sanitation supplies were taken.
UNICEF and partners continue to scale up lifesaving interventions across health, nutrition, water and sanitation and child protection to support affected communities – a total of 220
AI Assessment
Threat Level: LOW. Humanitarian crisis in South Sudan Civilian displacement Routine updates on humanitarian issues
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Identified Entities
Countries & Regions
South Sudan
Threat Indicators
military action
nuclear threat
cyber warfare
terrorism
Key Phrases
"Humanitarian crisis in South Sudan""Civilian displacement""Routine updates on humanitarian issues"

