South Sudan’s Civilian Casualties Escalate Amidst Conflict: UNMISS Report Highlights Urgent Need for Accountability JUBA, South Sudan – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported a sharp rise in civilian deaths and incidents of sexual violence in the first quarter of 2026, despite a modest decline in the number of documented incidents.
The report underscores the ongoing armed conflict’s devastating impact on the civilian population. Between January and March 2026, UNMISS documented 206 incidents of conflict-related violence affecting 1,388 civilians. This includes 767 killed, 457 injured, 93 abducted, and 71 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
The total number of incidents fell by four percent from the previous quarter, but the number of victims rose sharply by 67 percent.
The report highlights the deliberate use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, with a 78 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, emphasized the urgent need for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians. Despite a decrease in the number of incidents and victims between July and September 2025, the rise in abductions and conflict-related sexual violence is a cause for concern.
The report also acknowledges the South Sudanese government’s efforts to address the crisis through the National Durable Solutions Strategy and Plan of Action (2024–2028).
The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has significant implications for the region and beyond, hindering stability and development efforts.
The UNMISS report calls for increased accountability and international support to address the root causes of the conflict and provide assistance to those affected by the violence.
As the conflict persists, the international community must continue to advocate for peace and stability in the region, ensuring the protection of the civilian population and working towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN Mission in South Sudan
