More than 760 civilians killed in South Sudan in three months

Tue 2026-06-30

SSPDF accused of luring, killing 25 civilians in Ayod County — An armed soldier leaves what appears to be a mass graveyard following the reported killing in Akobo County. [Photo: Courtesy]

JUBA – Over 760 civilians were killed across South Sudan in just three months, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said in a new report, warning that the country’s conflict is becoming increasingly deadly despite a slight decline in the number of violent incidents.

The quarterly protection of civilians brief documented 767 civilian deaths between January and March 2026—the highest toll recorded during the reporting period. Overall, 1,388 civilians were affected by 206 incidents of conflict-related violence, with 457 people injured, 93 abducted, and 71 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence.

Although the number of violent incidents fell by four percent compared with the previous quarter, UNMISS said the human cost of the conflict rose sharply. Civilian killings increased by 89 percent, injuries by 73 percent, while survivors of conflict-related sexual violence rose by 31 percent.

Compared with the same period in 2025, conflict-related sexual violence increased by 78 percent, a trend the UN said reflects the continued use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

The victims included 1,049 men, 215 women, 82 boys, and 42 girls.

The report also documented 34 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence during the reporting period, underscoring the worsening protection crisis facing civilians, particularly women and girls.

“Every statistic in the report represents the impact of continued violence on human lives, underscoring the urgent need for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.

Gbeho urged all parties to allow the UN peacekeeping mission safe and unhindered access to conflict-affected areas to document violations, conduct investigations, and support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

“We reiterate our call to all parties to guarantee UNMISS safe, unhindered access to affected areas, so that violations can be documented, investigations pursued, and accountability delivered,” she said.

The report adds to growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan, where renewed fighting and localized conflicts continue to exact a heavy toll on civilians despite ongoing efforts to implement the country’s fragile peace agreement.

sudanspost.com