South Sudan: DRC Situational Report #5 Jonglei Emergency (28 May 2026)
Country: South Sudan Source: Danish Refugee Council Please refer to the attached file. Situation update The situation across Jonglei remains fragile and volatile, characterised by localized violence, active conflict near populated areas, and growing humanitarian needs. Akobo County is calm, enabling an active humanitarian scale-up with 30 partners now on the ground and 36,000 IDPs returned. Chuil saw two incidents during the reporting period - a revenge killing on 13 May and an armed attack on a village near the Upper Nile border on 23 May resulting in four deaths and two injuries, though the overall situation remains manageable. Yuai presents the most acute security concern: opposition forces captured the village of Moto on 24 May, triggering youth mobilization, and on 26 May active fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Waat a four-hour drive away โ resulted in at least 15 fatalities and 10 injured combatants, placing the area under close monitoring. Ayod and Paguir (Fangak County) remain calm, with DRC activities ongoing. Overall, the proximity of active conflict, combined with intercommunal tensions, continues to create a high-risk environment, particularly in areas between frontlines. Humanitarian access Humanitarian needs remain severe and multifaceted across Jonglei: Displacement and returns: Continued movements, including returns to Akobo, are placing additional pressure on already limited services. Food and nutrition: Nutrition service delivery is expanding in Akobo, yet needs remain high, with hundreds of SAM and MAM admissions reported by partners. Protection risks: Across all locations, communities face elevated risks of gender-based violence (GBV), family separation, abductions, psychosocial distress and intercommunal violence. Basic services: Limited access to WASH, health, and protection services persists, particularly in recently accessible or hard-to-reach areas.