(JUBA) – South Sudan is confronting its largest humanitarian funding gap in a decade as the United Nations projects that 10 million people will need assistance in 2026. Rising needs combined with uncertain donor commitments threaten to create a crisis of unprecedented scale.
The Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), reports a stark imbalance between the country’s needs and the resources available. Humanitarian demands are increasing sharply, while contributions from the international community continue to decline.
“Humanitarian requirements in South Sudan are rising sharply, but donor contributions are shrinking,” the report said. “Without urgent action, millions risk being left without food, shelter, or medical care.”
In 2025, South Sudan required $1.7 billion (12.1 billion SSP) to meet humanitarian needs but received only $692.2 million (4.9 billion SSP), covering just 41 percent of requirements. This represents the lowest funding coverage in nearly ten years, leaving close to four million people without targeted assistance. By comparison, aid covered 76 percent of needs in 2022 and 70 percent in 2024.
OCHA warned that the decline in international support is alarming and unsustainable. “The humanitarian community cannot continue operations at this level of underfunding,” the agency said.
Humanitarian needs have risen steadily since 2019, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse. Floods and droughts have devastated livelihoods, localized violence has displaced communities, and food insecurity has reached critical levels.
Annual requirements have ranged between $1.5 billion and $2.1 billion (10.7 to 14.9 billion SSP), while donor contributions have stagnated at roughly $1.2 billion (8.5 billion SSP). OCHA described this as a “dangerously widening disconnect between needs and resources.”
The consequences are visible across the country. Hospitals are running low on essential medicines, food distribution programs have been reduced, and displaced families live in shelters that lack basic services.
South Sudan’s situation reflects a broader global funding squeeze. Humanitarian appeals worldwide have faced declining donor commitments as multiple crises, including Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, compete for limited resources.
“The world is facing simultaneous emergencies, but South Sudan risks being forgotten,” OCHA warned. The agency stressed that fragile peace and chronic instability make continued humanitarian support essential.
Despite the 2018 peace agreement ending large-scale fighting, localized violence and political tensions persist. The UN is calling on donors to increase support before 2026. “Failure to act will condemn millions to hunger, disease, and displacement,” the report emphasised.
With 10 million people projected to need aid next year, humanitarian operations could be forced to scale back further unless funding commitments are secured soon. “The humanitarian lifeline is fraying,” OCHA concluded. “South Sudan stands at the brink of disaster. The world must not look away.”
Global Donors Scale Back Aid to South Sudan
| Year | Funding Required (SSP) | Funding Required (USD) | Funding Received (SSP) | Funding Received (USD) | Coverage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10.76 billion | 1.52 billion | 8.18 billion | 1.15 billion | 76 |
| 2024 | 12.47 billion | 1.75 billion | 8.73 billion | 1.23 billion | 70 |
| 2025 | 12.07 billion | 1.70 billion | 4.91 billion | 0.69 billion | 41 |
| 2026* (projected) | 71.0 billion | 10 million people needing aid | ? | ? | ? |
*2026 figures are projected, with the funding gap yet to be confirmed.
This table clearly shows the sharp decline in donor support over the past few years and highlights the urgency of the funding shortfall for 2026.
