Malakal, South Sudan – August 4, 2025

Ongoing conflict in Malakal, driven by clashes between government forces, opposition groups, and intercommunal militias, has displaced over 130,000 people in South Sudan since February 2025. Upper Nile State, where Malakal is located, is a flashpoint for violence, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and allied militias accused of indiscriminate attacks on civilians. A recent bombing in nearby Jonglei killed several, including aid workers, forcing agencies to suspend operations.

“The fighting never stops,” said Mary Nyadit, a 28-year-old displaced mother in Malakal’s PoC site. “We run, but there’s nowhere safe.” The UN reports serious human rights violations, including killings and looting, which have destroyed homes and infrastructure. The conflict in Sudan, with alliances like the RSF and SPLM-N, has spilled over, complicating peace efforts in South Sudan.

Humanitarian access is severely restricted, with aid workers facing attacks and road blockages. The UN’s OCHA calls for a ceasefire and safe passage for aid to reach Malakal’s 46,000 PoC residents, warning that continued violence risks escalating the crisis.