JUBA — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned that parts of South Sudan are at serious risk of famine, as worsening conflict, flooding, economic decline and disruptions to humanitarian aid push millions deeper into hunger.
According to new projections cited by the IRC, by May 2026 nearly half of South Sudan’s counties — 35 in total — are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 4).
This marks more than a twofold increase compared to December 2025. In some hard-to-reach areas, conditions are already approaching catastrophe.
Counties of highest concern include Nasir, Ulang, Longechuk and Panyikang in Upper Nile State; Fangak and Canal/Pigi in Jonglei State; and Rubkona and Panyijiar in Unity State. In parts of Nasir and Fangak that remain inaccessible due to insecurity, some households are projected to experience famine-like conditions (IPC Phase 5).
The IRC says escalating violence has repeatedly disrupted aid operations, forcing pauses in food distributions and the evacuation of humanitarian staff from parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei. These access constraints have significantly reduced the reach and effectiveness of planned assistance at a time when needs are rapidly rising.
“It is incredibly alarming that a risk of famine may persist in counties like Nasir through at least May 2026,” said Richard Orengo, IRC South Sudan Country Director. “If humanitarian access continues to be blocked or severely restricted, famine is likely.”
Orengo also warned that the crisis is being compounded by regional instability. Intensifying conflict in neighboring Sudan has driven new refugee arrivals into South Sudan, while also threatening oil exports that pass through Sudan — a critical source of national revenue.
“Any prolonged disruption to oil exports would further accelerate food prices, deepen economic hardship and push more communities into emergency and catastrophic hunger,” he said.
Women and children are bearing the heaviest burden of the crisis, according to the IRC. The organization reports alarming levels of acute malnutrition across the country, driven by conflict, erratic weather patterns, rising food prices and repeated interruptions to aid delivery.
“South Sudan is at a breaking point,” Orengo said. “Without sustained access and urgent funding, more families will slide into catastrophe and lives will be lost to causes we know how to prevent.”
The IRC has been responding to the crisis through integrated health and nutrition services, including cash-for-food assistance, community-based treatment of acute malnutrition, support to stabilization centers for severely malnourished children, and maternal and infant nutrition programs.
The organization also provides clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, protection support, and disease prevention efforts, particularly during flood and lean seasons.
Despite the scale of need, funding shortfalls are threatening the 2026 lean season response. South Sudan ranks third on the IRC’s global Emergency Watchlist, yet aid cuts risk delaying planned assistance to an additional 18 counties through May — precisely when hunger is expected to peak.
The IRC is urging donors and the international community to urgently scale up funding for life-saving food, nutrition and health programs, and to press for unimpeded humanitarian access across the country. The organization also called on South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement to stabilize the country.
“The trajectory is clear and deeply worrying,” Orengo said. “This crisis is not inevitable. With timely funding, safe humanitarian access and sustained international attention, famine can still be prevented.”