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by Emmanuel Garjiek
Geneva, March 11, 2026 — UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday expressed alarm over mounting reports of grave violations in South Sudan’s ongoing conflict, including killings of civilians, destruction and poisoning of water sources, and mass displacement.
A press statement noted that in the past 17 days, more than 160 civilians have been killed, including at least 139 on March 1 by fighters from the Bul Nuer ethnic group in Abiemnom locality, Ruweng Administrative Area.
“On 21 February, 21 civilians were killed by government forces in Pankor village, Ayod County, Jonglei State in the east. The soldiers lured them into gathering at one place, promising to give them food aid, then opened fire on them. Fifteen women and three girls were among those killed,” the statement reads. “On the same day, soldiers reportedly tied up and beheaded four civilians – one elderly man, a woman, a boy, and a girl – in Thiam village of Wau Payam, Western Bahr al Ghazal State in the northwest.”
On March 6, the military ordered civilians to evacuate Akobo town and surrounding villages, and directed the closure of the UN Mission in South Sudan’s temporary operating base there. UNMISS responded that its peacekeepers would remain to provide protection, as thousands of civilians fled.
“Civilians are being brutally killed, injured, and displaced on a daily basis across South Sudan as hostilities escalate between the army and opposition forces,” said Türk. “Some of these acts may amount to war crimes.”
The statement further alleged that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) destroyed or contaminated community water sources. Civilians told the UN Human Rights Office that about 99 wells were destroyed or poisoned with unidentified substances during government airstrikes.
“There must be prompt, impartial, thorough, and effective investigations into these and all other alleged violations of the laws of war and of international human rights law which are taking place,” Türk said. “And those found responsible must be fully held to account, including those bearing superior and command responsibility.”
Since late December, more than 280,000 people have been displaced across Jonglei, Lakes, and Upper Nile States.
“The displacement of thousands of civilians from Akobo over the weekend and the chilling spectre of armed violence will only serve to compound the anxiety and suffering the civilian population has endured since hostilities resumed in January,” Türk stated. “There must be a ceasefire as promptly as possible, to save lives and turn this conflict in the direction of a negotiated solution.”
He urged intensified international engagement to end the violence and called on all parties to stop targeting civilians and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
“Both parties must take prompt and meaningful steps, with the support of the international community, to rescue the fledgling peace agreement. South Sudan must be pulled back from the brink of all-out civil war,” said Türk.
