Flagrant violations in South Sudan, UN describes abuses as ‘war crimes’ against civilians

CAIRO – 12 March 2026: South Sudan is witnessing a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in violence and violations against civilians. Reports continue to document horrific acts of violence, property looting, and the systematic destruction of essential infrastructure.

This surge in hostilities comes as the population suffers from severe shortages of food and clean water, and mass displacement is threatening to force tens of thousands into dire living conditions, raising fears of a widespread humanitarian catastrophe.

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed his shock at the increasing reports of grave violations during the ongoing conflict. These reports include the brutal killing of civilians, the destruction and poisoning of key water sources, and new waves of mass displacement.

UN reports have specifically confirmed the deliberate contamination of public water sources. The UN Human Rights Office stated that approximately 99 wells were destroyed or poisoned with unidentified substances during recent airstrikes.

“Civilians are being brutally killed, injured, and displaced every day across South Sudan as hostilities escalate, and some of these acts may amount to war crimes,” Türk said.

Türk reiterated his call for immediate dialogue, stressing that all parties must take effective steps, supported by the international community, to salvage the existing peace agreement and prevent South Sudan from collapsing into a full-scale civil war.

He emphasized the need for impartial, thorough, and effective investigations into these alleged violations of the laws of war and international human rights law, insisting that those responsible be held fully accountable. Türk further urged the parties to cease attacks on civilian objects and ensure the safe, sustained flow of humanitarian aid.

According to the United Nations, more than 160 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. This includes at least 139 people killed on March 1 by fighters in the Abiemnom area of Ruweng County. Previously, on February 21, 21 civilians were killed in Bankor village, Jonglei State.

Reports indicate that soldiers lured civilians to the location with promises of food aid before opening fire; the victims included 15 women and three girls. On the same day, reports emerged that armed men beheaded four civilians; an elderly man, a woman, a boy, and a girl, in Thiam village, Western Bahr el-Ghazal State.

By March 6, the army ordered the evacuation of all civilians from Akobo town and surrounding villages. It also mandated the withdrawal of the UNMISS (United Nations Interim Security Force for South Sudan) base and other NGO agencies from the area. Consequently, thousands of civilians have fled the town.

Since late December, more than 280,000 people have been displaced across Jonglei, Lakes, and Upper Nile states. The mass exodus from Akobo over the weekend has further exacerbated the anxiety and suffering of a population already reeling from the resumption of hostilities in January.