JUBA – A new quarterly human rights brief released by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on January 9, 2026, has exposed a disturbing trend: while overall civilian casualties have decreased, instances of abductions and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) are sharply on the rise.
The report, which covers the period from July to September 2025, paints a complex picture of a nation where persistent armed hostilities and ethnic polarization continue to undermine fragile peacebuilding efforts. Despite a dip in direct killings, the “unacceptable” surge in targeted kidnappings and sexual abuse signals a deteriorating environment for the most vulnerable.
By the Numbers: A Growing Protection Gap
The latest data indicates that while the total number of violent incidents fell by 12%, the severity of specific human rights breaches intensified.
- Casualty Trends: Civilian killings decreased by 18% (519 deaths documented), and injuries dropped by 41% (396 documented).
- The Rise of Abductions: Cases of abduction surged by 20%, with 159 individuals seized during the reporting period.
- Sexual Violence: Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) increased by 7%, with 79 cases documented. UN officials warn that these numbers are likely massive undercounts due to social stigma and fear of retaliation.
Regional Hotspots and Conflict Drivers
The violence is not evenly distributed but concentrated in specific states where community-based militias and conventional parties to the conflict remain active.
- Active Conflict Zones: Fighting remains intense in Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, and Western Equatoria.
- Militia Influence: Community-based militias and civil defense groups are responsible for approximately 72% of documented victims, highlighting the lack of effective state security and the “privatization” of violence in rural areas.
- Aerial Hostilities: The brief uniquely highlights a rise in shelling and targeted airstrikes, particularly in the Equatorias and Upper Nile, which have triggered mass forced displacements.
Humanitarian and Security Fallout
The surge in abductions is increasingly being used as both a coercive tactic and an economic strategy by armed elements.
- Targeting Aid Workers: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) recently suspended operations in two counties following the kidnapping of healthcare staff, a move that deprives thousands of essential medical care.
- The “Shadow” Victims: UNMISS Officer-in-Charge Anita Kiki Gbeho emphasized that forced displacement is exposing women and children to heightened risks of exploitation and abuse.
| Victim Category | Number Documented (July–Sept 2025) | Percentage Change from Previous Quarter |
| Killings | 519 | -18% |
| Abductions | 159 | +20% |
| Sexual Violence | 79 | +7% |
| Total Victims | 1,153 | -24% |
The UN Response: A Call for Accountability
The UN Mission has issued an urgent plea to the South Sudanese government and all warring factions to respect international humanitarian law. With the UNMISS mandate set to expire on April 30, 2026, the mission is pivoting its resources toward “integrated patrols” and specialized gender advisers to break the “culture of silence and impunity.”
“While the decline in casualties offers a measure of hope, the increase in abductions and sexual violence is unacceptable,” stated Gbeho. “Accountability and respect for human rights remain the only path to a durable peace.”
Sudanese combatant with G3 rifle, Wikimedia Picture by Steve Evans
