South Sudan: SSD Protection Cluster Update - February 2026

Country: South Sudan Source: Protection Cluster Please refer to the attached file. February 2026 experienced renewed inter-communal violence in Upper Nile, resulting in 57 deaths and 65 injuries in Balliet and triggering retaliatory operation, which included aerial bombardments in Ulang later that month. Fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-iO in several locations of Jonglei State has intensified since December 2025, triggering repeated waves of displacement forcing up to 280,000 civilians to flee. There is renewed contamination exemplified by two accidents in Uror that injured three children and killed one. FGD conducted among IDPs from Uror, Nyirol and Duk counties, Jonglei State in early February bring forward credible reports on child recruitment by parties to the conflict. Modalities include abduction and engagement under false pretence, for example guide services. Abductions of women and children during displacement were also highlighted by the community. A report from early February IRNA, covering northern and central counties of Jonglei, highlights alarming occurrences of CRSV, such as rape, abduction, and sexual abuse among female IDPs. Women displaced by conflict have also shared instances of women and girls being killed for their resistance. Additionally, the reports reveal that women and girls face abduction, captivity, and sexual violence while trying to flee. On 25th of January, the SSPDF military called for all NGO ad UN personnel to leave from SPLA-iO controlled counties of Nyrol, Uror and Akobo.

Original source: Relief Web