Overview
- António Guterres cited UN reporting of 180,000 people displaced in Jonglei State and a government tally of 250,000 displaced nationwide in early 2026.
- The UN chief condemned rhetoric targeting specific communities and warned that planned military expansions would further endanger vulnerable populations.
- He urged all sides to stop military operations immediately, protect civilians, and allow safe humanitarian access with security for peacekeepers and aid workers.
- Guterres stressed that the crisis requires a political solution, calling for inclusive dialogue and a consensus-based roadmap in the final year of the transition to enable credible elections.
- He welcomed engagement by the African Union and IGAD and encouraged neighboring countries to intensify support for talks that reduce tensions.