South Sudan faces a catastrophic crisis if fighting in the war-torn country does not stop.
Fighting between the government and the opposition in recent months has brought the world's youngest nation to the brink of all-out civil war. South Sudan is at a critical juncture, a group of 16 experts mandated by the United Nations has declared. All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation of the conflict and protect civilians.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but quickly descended into civil war and remains mired in extreme poverty and corruption. A power-sharing agreement reached in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and his longtime rival, Riek Machar, has been unraveling since the beginning of 2025, with clashes in many areas and fears of a return to all-out war.
The scale and severity of the violence are alarming, including sexual violence against women and girls and massive population displacements, experts say.
The indiscriminate attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers must stop. Reports of the destruction of water sources, as well as the looting and burning of homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship, are particularly alarming. If confirmed, these attacks would constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes, they added. Without immediate and sustained support, millions of people risk being deprived of the aid they need to survive.
