Reactive statement on the publication of the Acute Food Insecurity Analysis on South Sudan

Reacting to the latest Acute Food Insecurity analysis on South Sudan, Oxfam’s Director in South Sudan, Shabnam Baloch, said:

“Oxfam is deeply concerned by the latest findings showing that acute food insecurity in South Sudan is alarmingly high and continues to increase with 7.8 million people – nearly two in every three persons facing extreme hunger. In some areas, conditions have worsened with 73,000 people now facing starvation according to the latest IPC figures.”

“A lethal mix of conflict, collapsing markets and climate shocks combined with devastating aid cuts is pushing more families deeper into severe hunger. Communities are being cut off from help when they need it most and the systems meant to protect the most vulnerable are falling short.

With the rainy season fast approaching, the situation is set to worsen in the coming weeks. Without urgent, scaled-up action especially—food assistance and clean water—more lives are at risk.

This is not just a hunger crisis—it is a full-blown humanitarian emergency unfolding in plain sight. Oxfam is calling on the international community to step up support and on all parties to the conflict to end the violence, protect civilians, and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.”

END

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Between April and July 2026, about 7.8 million people in South Sudan face high levels of acute food insecurity—an increase of roughly 280,000 since September 2025 according to the latest IPC findings.
• Around 73,000 people are facing starvation, and a high risk of death as livelihoods collapse. As conditions worsen, areas in Luakpiny/Nasir and Ulang in Upper Nile, and Nyirol, Akobo in Jonglei, could face famine under worst-case scenarios.
• Violence in Jongeli state has worsened the humanitarian crisis, displacing over 300,000 people within the country, while 110,000 others have fled to Ethiopia according to UNHCR. Families are facing extreme hunger (emergency levels) and a growing risk of cholera outbreak due to lack of clean water and sanitation. Women and children fleeing the conflict are enduring days-long journeys, reporting attacks, family separation, abductions and hunger along the way.
• An estimated 7.55 million people – 53% of the population are projected to face severe food shortages (crisis level and above). Heavy rains expected later this month will further cut off humanitarian access to communities most in need.
• At the same time, refugees fleeing the war in Sudan — now entering its fourth year — is putting more pressure on an over-stretched response. Since last year, the humanitarian coverage rate in South Sudan is the lowest since the country was created in 2011 and only 22 percent of humanitarian response plan has been funded to date.
• Oxfam was providing lifesaving food assistance, clean water, and sanitation support to over 400,000 displaced people and host communities in Jonglei State before operations were suspended and is now continuing support in neighbouring towns.