Decades of conflict and isolation, initially due to the war between 1955 and 2005, have caused a devastating humanitarian crisis that continues to affect the entire population.
After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, between 2013 and 2018, a new internal conflict broke out in the country due to disagreements between the main institutional leaders of the newly formed Republic. The conflict officially ended in September 2018 with the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. However, the situation remains difficult and the peace agreement remains at risk.
In recent weeks, there has been an escalation of violence between the army and opposition forces. According to a recent UNICEF report, since the end of December 2025, violence has intensified, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country. In Jonglei State, at least 280,000 people have been displaced, most of them women and children who are at risk of being killed, maimed or recruited by armed groups. Malnutrition and famine are on the rise, the health system is collapsing, and cholera and malaria are rampant.
‘We are deeply concerned about the women and children affected by these violent clashes. We know that these areas have the highest levels of malnutrition among children, and we know that malnourished children without treatment are 12 times more likely to die,’ said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in the country. ‘We urgently call on all parties to cease violence and ensure rapid, unimpeded and safe access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers to reach highly vulnerable displaced groups.’
Access to provide emergency aid to those in need has been severely hampered. In addition, humanitarian agencies are unable to reach vulnerable populations due to restrictions on river, air and road travel. Six counties in Jonglei State have already exhausted or are running out of therapeutic food supplies, a basic necessity for severely malnourished children.
In this context of violence, famine and malnutrition, Bishop Hiiboro Kussala, bishop of the diocese of Tombura-Yambio, launches a message of peace and healing in view of Lent.
“Our diocese faces many challenges: hatred, tribal divisions, manipulation of young people, betrayal, targeted violence, forced divorces, poverty and disease affecting our communities.
Lent is not only a time of fasting,‘ the bishop emphasises, ’but a time of spiritual rebirth, social responsibility and community healing. We are invited to return to God, to restore relationships and to build communities of reconciliation and solidarity. May every parish, family and individual commit to returning to God, restoring peace and supporting the vulnerable,” Kussala concludes.
