In South Kordofan, suspected drone attacks hit health facilities in the state capital, Kadugli, and the town of Kuweik, reportedly killing four medical workers and injuring more than 20 people.
Concerns about the conflict continue to deepen after a report today from the UN Human Rights Office revealed “sustained” and “systematic” attacks on civilians in the neighboring Darfur region by the end of 2025 that may “constitute crimes against humanity.”
Growing humanitarian concerns
“Violence is causing a new wave of displacement, with reports that many are fleeing their homes and in need of food, health care and protection,” the secretary general’s spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, warned on Friday.
While the humanitarian situation in Dilling and Kadugli continues to deteriorate, he emphasized that “rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access is essential for us to scale up our response.”
Commercial vehicles, telecommunications infrastructure and key transportation routes have been affected by drone attacks, disrupting humanitarian movements and supply chains.
Dujarric called for “the protection of humanitarian infrastructure, in accordance with international humanitarian law” and urged more funding through the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, to support displaced families across Sudan.
Violence pushes South Sudan’s health system to the limit
Since late December 2025, a devastating escalation of violence has spread across northern and central South Sudan, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) said on Friday.
In Jonglei state alone, at least 280,000 people have been displaced, most of them women and children.
“They fled with nothing. They are sleeping in displaced persons camps left over from the not-so-distant civil war, camps where there are hardly any services. Others are outdoors, in remote places, with nothing at all,” said UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Obia Acheng.
Children were believed to make up 53 percent of those displaced.
“These children face murder and mutilation, recruitment into armed groups, separation from their families, gender violence and deep psychological anguish that will mark them for years,” Mr. Acheng emphasized.
Delivery for children
South Sudan’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with 11 health facilities attacked or looted since fighting intensified and many nutrition centers forced to close, UNICEF said.
Cholera cases have risen to 479 nationwide, with treatment centers overwhelmed and resources stretched thin.
Around 825,000 children in Jonglei, Unity and Eastern Equatoria states are now at risk of acute malnutrition, conditions that make children 12 times more likely to die without treatment.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are increasingly deprived of healthcare and humanitarian infrastructure is under attack.
Despite these grim figures, UNICEF continues to deliver primary health care, nutrition, water and sanitation, and child protection programs across the country.
The UN Security Council also issued a statement expressing grave concern over the escalation of violence in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and throughout South Sudan.
Members strongly called on all parties to de-escalate and immediately cease further hostilities and resolve issues through peaceful dialogue.
Children in Gaza hold lanterns to celebrate the arrival of Ramadan. (archive)
UN chief calls for unity and compassion ahead of Ramadan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged people around the world to embrace the spirit of peace, compassion and solidarity as Muslims prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
“For Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a sacred period of reflection and prayer. Ramadan also represents a noble vision of hope and peace.” Guterres said in a message before kickoff Tuesday.
However, he noted that for many – from Afghanistan to Yemen, Gaza and Sudan – this vision of hope and unity remained distant amid conflict, hunger and displacement.
The UN chief called on the global community to overcome divisions, provide aid to those in need and defend human rights and dignity for all.
“May this Holy Month inspire us to work together to build a more peaceful, generous and just world for all people,” he said.