South Sudan at Risk of Return to War, UN Investigators Warn

Strategic Insights -

Fighting has intensified in South Sudan, displacing over 370,000 civilians internally and driving many more to neighboring countries. The conflict has resulted in nearly 2.6 million people remaining displaced, in addition to some 600,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan. The UN-appointed independent investigative body, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, has warned that the country is at risk of returning to war unless urgent international action is taken.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fighting has intensified since March, displacing over 370,000 civilians internally and driving many more to neighboring countries.
  • Nearly 2.6 million people remain displaced in South Sudan, in addition to some 600,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan.
  • The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted escalating armed clashes, political detentions, and widespread human rights violations.
  • The government forces are using aerial bombardments in civilian areas, and the ceasefire is not holding.
  • The peace agreement's key provisions are being systematically violated, and the government is exploiting localised fighting for political and military gain.
  • Billions in oil revenues have been siphoned off while the population starves, with corruption being one of the engines of the crisis.
  • The Commission's report details ongoing sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, and extrajudicial killings, with national authorities complicit in some cases.
  • The investigators called on the UN, African Union, and regional partners to ensure accountability, expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and engage the political class in an inclusive process.

Statistics:

  • Over 370,000 civilians displaced internally since March.
  • Nearly 2.6 million people remain displaced in South Sudan.
  • 600,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan.
  • $ billions in oil revenues siphoned off while the population starves.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE, "South Sudan at risk of return to war, United Nation (UN) investigators warn" (October 30, 2025)
  • UN News, "South Sudan at risk of return to war, UN investigators warn" (October 30, 2025)
  • The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan report (October 2025)