Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has denounced the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access to areas held by opposition forces in South Sudan, which are imposed by the government. This blockade significantly impacts vulnerable populations in the region, including children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic or critical conditions. The organization highlighted that at least 23 patients are in critical condition and in urgent need of medical aid as of late January. Abdalla Hussein, MSF’s program manager for South Sudan, emphasized that the blockade endangers lives and described it as a “crude political maneuver” that severely impacts civilians.
Since December 2025, the blockade has been in place, and it follows an airstrike on December 3 that targeted an MSF health facility in Pieri. This led to the facility’s closure by January 29, leaving only emergency and lifesaving services operational in the region. Despite legal mandates that aim to protect civilians during armed conflicts, such as the Geneva Conventions and other customary international laws, South Sudanese military commanders continue to incite violence against non-combatants. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan condemned these actions, labeling them as significant breaches of international humanitarian law.
The ongoing conflict has led to international reactions, including a 2023 resolution by the UN Security Council. This resolution criticized both parties for violating the ceasefire agreement established in 2018. It also imposed an arms embargo and renewed targeted sanctions on individuals held responsible for perpetuating the conflict. According to JURIST – News, South Sudan ranks third on the International Rescue Committee’s emergency watchlist, with Sudan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories taking the top two spots. Richard Orengo, Country Director for IRC South Sudan, has warned about the potential for famine in several counties due to the ongoing blockade and the influx of refugees driven by conflicts in neighboring Sudan.
South Sudan’s journey from gaining independence in 2011 has been marred by a civil war involving President Salva Kiir’s forces and those of First Vice President Riek Machar. Although a peace deal was signed in 2018, progress has stalled, including delays in forming a truth and reconciliation commission. Despite international efforts to broker peace and enhanced humanitarian aid, the political and humanitarian situation remains dire, raising urgent calls for renewed global attention and intervention.