South Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot - June 2026

Humanitarian access across South Sudan remained severely constrained by armed conflict, violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, bureaucratic and administrative impediments (BAI), movement restrictions, and deteriorating road conditions following the onset of the rainy season. A total of 63 humanitarian access incidents were recorded during the reporting period, with the highest number reported in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity States and the the Greater Equatoria region.

Insecurity continued to disrupt humanitarian operations and the delivery of life-saving assistance. On 7 June, escalating violence and a relocation order forced the withdrawal of humanitarian health staff from Chuil in Nyirol County, Jonglei State, leaving approximately 25,000 conflict-affected people with limited or no access to essential health services.

Violence against humanitarian personnel remained a major concern. During the reporting period, eight humanitarian workers were killed—seven in Jonglei State and one in Eastern Equatoria State - in the most deadly month in recent years, bringing the total number of fatalities in the first half of 2026 to 30. Three humanitarian staff were abducted in Yei, Central Equatoria State, where abductors demanded a ransom of USD 20,000. In separate incidents, 11 humanitarian staff were temporarily detained in the Equatorias and Unity State, while four staff were injured in attacks in Duk County, Jonglei State, Pibor County, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

Bureaucratic and administrative impediments continued to hamper humanitarian operations. Restrictions on the movement of fuel, communications equipment and cash delayed assistance to 21,300 people, including internally displaced people from Nyirol, Uror and Akobo Counties, Jonglei State, as well as returnees in Akobo. In Upper Nile State, authorities instructed humanitarian organizations to deduct 20 per cent of casual workers' daily wages as a local tax. In Unity State, new directives required NGOs and subcontractors to recruit casual workers through State Labour Offices, increasing government involvement in humanitarian recruitment processes.

Seasonal rains and movement restrictions further limited humanitarian access. Flooding and deteriorating roads restricted access to the former Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal and delayed the delivery of humanitarian supplies to more than 20,000 conflict-affected people in Udier and Mathiang. Along the Sobat River, the continued presence of nine illegal checkpoints impeded assistance to vulnerable communities in Ulang and Nasir counties. In Eastern Equatoria, community-established roadblocks in Kauto Payam, Kapoeta East County, temporarily restricted humanitarian movements and delayed the delivery of humanitarian assistance.