South Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (April 2026)

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In April 2026, humanitarian access in South Sudan remained highly constrained, particularly in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states, with 64 access incidents reported, an increase from 61 incidents recorded in March.

The deteriorating operating environment is impacting not only on the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance but also critical preparations for the imminent rainy season, as opportunities to pre-position supplies continue to narrow.

In Jonglei, shifting frontlines in Akobo East and renewed fighting in Akobo West significantly reduced humanitarian access and prompted urgent efforts to pre-position supplies across Northern Jonglei. Insecurity continued to disrupt transportation and humanitarian operations. On 20 April, a convoy of 32 trucks carrying 482.81 metric tons of food assistance to Greater Pibor was halted at the Mereng checkpoint by soldiers demanding tax payments. Between 18 and 24 April, at least eight security incidents were recorded along the Bor–Twic East–Duk corridor, including fuel seizures, looting and assaults. On 27 April, a contracted interpreter supporting food assistance verification activities in Lankien was killed, forcing the suspension of verification activities and relocation of staff. In Walgak, renewed clashes on 29 April disrupted food distributions and triggered civilian displacement.

In Upper Nile, partners faced coercive pressure in Nasir and Ulang to relocate operations to Government-controlled areas which resulted in the arrest of NGO staff, alongside restrictions on flights and interference in recruitment. In Longochuk, clashes in Udier on 26 April displaced civilians, while Malakal–Longochuk convoys were suspended after repeated illegal payment demands, delaying nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies. An armed attack on Yusif Batil health centre in Maban on 29 April further disrupted the functioning of health facilities.

In Unity, access denials, localized insecurity and interference affected assessments, nutrition sites and health services, including the temporary closure of a health centre in Bentiu IDP Camp on 29 April. Bureaucratic impediments also continued to delay the movement of critical WASH, Shelter/NFI, food security and medical supplies, as tax exemption procedures and transport authorization requirements slowed the pre-positioning of life-saving assistance ahead of the rainy season.

Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudan-humanitarian-access-snapshot-april-2026