Juba, South Sudan — April 17, 2025 — Civilians in South Sudan continue to suffer the devastating impacts of ongoing violence, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) latest annual brief. The report reveals a 51 percent surge in victims harmed by conventional parties to the conflict and other armed groups, alongside a significant rise in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) during 2024.
Between January and December 2024, UNMISS documented 1,019 violent incidents that affected 3,657 civilians. These included 1,561 deaths, 1,299 injuries, 551 abductions, and 246 cases of sexual violence. Compared to 2023, this marks a 15 percent increase in violent incidents and a 9 percent increase in total victims.
Community-based militias and civil defense groups were responsible for the majority of attacks, accounting for 79 percent of all victims. Warrap State recorded the highest number of civilian deaths and injuries, while Western Equatoria State saw the most documented cases of sexual violence.
Abductions were most frequently reported in Central Equatoria State, allegedly carried out by splinter groups of the National Salvation Front. Jonglei State also saw a high number of abductions, reportedly perpetrated by Murle armed elements.
“Protecting civilians and preventing violence requires urgent action by authorities at every level,” said Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative to South Sudan and Head of UNMISS. “Dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion are critical to defusing tensions and building trust.”
UNMISS reiterated that the Government of South Sudan bears the primary responsibility for protecting its civilians and urged both national and state authorities to act decisively to end violence, address root causes, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
In support of these efforts, UNMISS continues to deploy thousands of peacekeeping patrols by land, air, and river each year and provides active support for community reconciliation, political dialogue, and peacebuilding efforts. The Mission also plays a key role in assisting security and justice sector reforms, constitution-making, and preparations for the upcoming elections.