South Sudan is facing a serious hunger crisis, with millions of people struggling to get enough food.
The World Food Programme (WFP) says about 7.8 million people, more than half of the country’s population, are currently experiencing severe food shortages. Around 2.2 million children are also suffering from acute malnutrition.
The situation is also putting pressure on humanitarian organisations trying to help refugees, displaced people and vulnerable communities. The WFP says it has a $258 million funding gap for its emergency response in South Sudan for the rest of 2026.
For people who have fled the conflict in neighbouring Sudan, crossing the border has not ended their suffering. Many refugees are still struggling to find enough food and basic support.
One refugee, Nura Mohammed Ahmed, described the difficult choice facing some people: stay in South Sudan and risk dying from hunger, or return to war-torn Sudan despite the dangers.
The growing crisis has left many families with very few options, as humanitarian groups continue to appeal for more support to provide food and lifesaving assistance.