The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is deepening, with the number of wounded civilians evacuated for emergency medical treatment rising by 50 percent in the first half of 2026 as renewed fighting overwhelms the country’s fragile healthcare system.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 266 wounded people were evacuated between January and June this year, reflecting the worsening violence that has gripped the country since late 2025.
Most casualties were airlifted to Juba Military Hospital, where the number of life-saving surgeries has increased by nearly 30 percent amid growing demand.
“The rise in evacuations comes as conflict and violence intensified since late 2025,” the ICRC said.
The fighting, involving forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition groups aligned with former Vice President Riek Machar, has also forced several aid-supported hospitals to close following attacks.
Meanwhile, United Nations Mission in South Sudan reported that conflict-related violence killed 767 civilians between January and March this year—an 89 percent increase from the previous quarter.
UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho urged the warring parties to prioritize civilian protection.
“Every statistic in the report represents the impact of continued violence on human lives.”
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but despite a 2018 peace agreement, renewed fighting continues to fuel one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian crises.
