South Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (September 2025)

In September, clashes between armed groups and government forces in Tonga (Panyikang County) displaced 8,000 people to Kuerege in Fangak. Airstrikes and ongoing ground confrontations severely restricted humanitarian access to thousands of food-insecure displaced people across Upper Nile (Nasir, Ulang, Longochuk, and Panyikang counties) and parts of Jonglei (Canal Pigi and Fangak counties). Notably, areas east of Nasir Town have remained inaccessible for over six months. A total of 70 access-related incidents were reported across the country, disrupting the delivery of critical humanitarian services. Upper Nile, Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and Unity states remain hotspots for violence against humanitarian personnel, assets, and facilities.
In Unity State, armed youth attacked humanitarian workers, resulting in the death of one staff member, injuries to two others, and the looting of relief supplies. In Jonglei State, several serious security incidents further compromised aid delivery. In Fangak, 18 metric tons of food were looted by SSPDF forces. In Ayod, 161 cartons of nutrition supplies along with staff personal belongings were stolen by armed youth at Mogok airstrip. Additionally, on 7 September, five health and nutrition facilities were vandalized in Pigi Canal County.
In Eastern Equatoria, humanitarian operations faced increased threats due to three armed attacks and robberies targeting aid vehicles along key road, Juba–Torit, Torit–Magwi, and Kapoeta–Torit, underscoring the growing risks to field staff and logistics.
Bureaucratic access impediments continued to delay humanitarian response. In Canal Pigi, the County Commissioner suspended the operations of aid organizations working in opposition-held areas, cutting off services for more than 15,000 vulnerable people. In Renk County, the labor office-imposed fees to approve recruitment advertisements for humanitarian staff. Meanwhile, in Malakal, civil aviation authorities restricted vehicle access to the airport without paid permits and identification, demanding fees ranging from 71,000 SSP ($15) to 657,000 SSP ($143).
Seasonal rains severely impacted infrastructure and humanitarian mobility. Roads became impassable across parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity states, hampering access to remote areas. In Mayendit County, flash floods forced the closure of 18 schools, disrupting education for 6,037 children, while four primary health care units were flooded and had to relocate to higher ground. In Old Fangak, severe flooding displaced over 1,000 people and damaged aid organization compounds, interrupting services and further restricting access to those in need.

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