Statement on escalations in hostilities in Jonglei State, South Sudan
5 February 2026The IHL Centre expresses deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Jonglei State, South Sudan, and the grave risks this escalation poses to civilians. We recall the obligations of all relevant parties under international law, including international humanitarian law (IHL) and applicable international human rights law, and stress the imperative of protecting civilians, and the facilitation of life-saving humanitarian relief.
Humanitarian impact and urgent needs
Information from humanitarian partners and recent UN reporting indicates that renewed fighting and airstrikes since late December 2025 have driven large-scale displacement. As of 3 February 2026, more than 280,000 people have reportedly been displaced across Jonglei, including significant displacement from Uror, Nyirol, Duk, Ayod, Akobo, Twic East, and Bor South, placing severe strain on host communities and essential services. Humanitarian partners also report displaced arrivals from Jonglei into Mingkaman (Awerial County), underscoring the broader regional impact.
The situation is compounded by serious public health risks. UN reporting highlights a sharp surge in cholera, with cases recorded in Jonglei and treatment services reportedly overstretched. At the same time, access constraints are intensifying: flight, road, and river restrictions are reportedly preventing medical evacuations and disrupting the delivery of life-saving supplies.
Key protection and compliance concerns
We are particularly alarmed by credible reports that:
- Medical and humanitarian facilities and assets have been looted, damaged, or confiscated, and that aid workers have been intimidated, significantly constraining humanitarian operations and undermining the special protection owed to medical units, humanitarian personnel, and relief objects under IHL.
- In Pajut, Duk County, reports indicate damage to civilian homes, loss of civilian property, and civilian casualties, with families fleeing under duress and with only limited belongings, raising serious concerns regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects.
- There have also been reports of directives suggesting a “spare no one” or “deny quarter” approach. Orders that there shall be no survivors are strictly prohibited under IHL and, if substantiated, may constitute a serious breach of fundamental protections owed to civilians and persons hors de combat.
The IHL Centre reminds all parties that they must uphold the core IHL rules of distinction, proportionality, and precautions, in the conduct of hostilities, ensure humane treatment, and enable rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief, subject only to lawful control measures. All alleged violations must be promptly and credibly investigated, and those responsible held to account.
For any questions, please contact info@ihlcentre.org. For our free, confidential IHL Advisory Service, see here. For step-by-step guidance in assessing respect for IHL and incorporating IHL into your humanitarian advocacy, see the Stockholm Manual: A Practitioner’s Guide to Conducting IHL Assessments and Advocacy.