South Sudan
As of February 2026, South Sudan—the world’s youngest nation—is in the midst of a volatile "survival phase." The country is currently facing a triple threat: a deepening political stalemate ahead of delayed 2026 elections, the spillover effects of the ongoing war in Sudan, and catastrophic climate shocks that have rendered two-thirds of the population dependent on humanitarian aid.
1. The 2026 Electoral Standoff
South Sudan’s transition is currently at a breaking point as the country prepares for its first-ever national elections, now tentatively scheduled for December 2026.
Delayed Prerequisites: Despite the 2026 target, the government announced in late 2025 that polls would proceed without a national census or a permanent constitution. Civil society groups warn this is a "recipe for usurpation" and widespread electoral violence.
Political Repression: In March 2025, First Vice-President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest, and as of February 2026, he faces trial for treason and conspiracy. His party (SPLM-IO) has refused to engage in political dialogue while he is detained, effectively paralyzing the peace agreement.
National Security Service (NSS): The NSS continues to operate as a "state within a state," utilizing a 2024 law that allows for warrantless arrests to silence dissent and arbitrarily detain political opponents.
2. Humanitarian and Climate Emergency
The human rights situation is inextricably linked to an unprecedented environmental and displacement crisis.
Massive Displacement: In January 2026 alone, renewed fighting and airstrikes in Jonglei State displaced an estimated 280,000 people. Many are living in the open with zero access to water or sanitation.
The Sudan Spillover: Since 2023, South Sudan has absorbed over 1.4 million refugees and returnees fleeing the war in Sudan. This has overwhelmed border communities and triggered intercommunal violence over scarce resources.
Cholera Outbreak: A major health crisis is unfolding; since September 2024, nearly 100,000 cholera cases and over 1,600 deaths have been recorded, with the outbreak currently resurging in the overcrowded IDP camps of Jonglei.
3. Women’s Rights and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Women and girls in South Sudan face what UN experts describe as a "perfect storm" of economic and physical threats.
Pervasive GBV: An estimated 65% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence, one of the highest rates in the world. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), including abductions and sexual slavery, remains a systematic tool of war by both state and non-state actors.
The "35% Quota" Gap: While the peace agreement mandates that women hold 35% of government positions, the actual figure remains closer to 21%.
Maternal Mortality: Due to the collapse of health infrastructure and attacks on aid workers, South Sudan has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in Africa as of early 2026. A girl in South Sudan is still more likely to die in childbirth than to finish primary school.
4. Media Freedom and the "Language" of the State
Press freedom is currently facing its most direct threat in years through "guided" censorship.
"Adopting the Language": On February 14, 2026, the Deputy Information Minister publicly warned journalists to "adopt the language" of the government to avoid "problems," describing the state as "one-way traffic."
Cybercrimes Act: A new Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Bill passed in late 2025 is being used as a primary tool to regulate digital conduct and prosecute online critics.
Airstrikes on Infrastructure: In early February 2026, an airstrike destroyed a hospital in Lankien, while independent radio stations in conflict zones report frequent harassment and equipment seizures by security forces.
5. LGBTQ+ Rights: Stigma and Silence
LGBTQ+ individuals in South Sudan remain legally and socially invisible, facing extreme risks if they go public.
Criminalization: The 2008 Penal Code criminalizes consensual same-sex acts with up to 10 years in prison. While rarely enforced in formal courts, these laws provide a "green light" for police and vigilante harassment.
Gorom Settlement Crisis: Reports from 2025 and early 2026 detail daily attacks, stonings, and the denial of medical care for LGBTQ+ refugees in the Gorom settlement.
Transgender Rights: Transgender individuals face additional prosecution under "vagabond" laws that criminalize men "dressing as women," punishable by fines or imprisonment.