2025 appears to be a pivotal year for South Sudan — the fragile gains since independence and the peace deal are at serious risk. The combination of renewed violence, displacement, economic pressure (especially around oil exports), corruption, and institutional breakdown has created what many describe as a “humanitarian and political tipping point.”
At the same time, cultural efforts such as the Derik Festival and Pojulu Festival — though limited — show that many ordinary South Sudanese remain committed to unity, identity, and rebuilding their society in the face of adversity.
Here are some of the most significant events that took place in South Sudan in 2025:
Escalation of Conflict and Violence
In the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), violence against civilians surged: according to the UN mission in South Sudan, there were 1,607 victims, including 739 killed, 679 injured, 149 abducted, and 40 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence. This represents a sharp increase relative to prior periods.
In March 2025, renewed fighting broke out in and around Malakal, in Upper Nile state — clashes between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) reportedly killed over 180 people and displaced more than 125,000.
Between March and April, in Nasir county, fighting between SSPDF and the Nuer White Army led to the capture of army barracks by the White Army. The clashes displaced about 50,000 people.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
According to UN reporting, about 300,000 people fled their homes in 2025 as conflict intensified, raising fears that South Sudan is sliding back toward full-scale civil war between forces loyal to different political/ethnic factions.
The humanitarian situation is dire: the UN and humanitarian agencies warn that around 9.3 million South Sudanese — roughly three-quarters of the population — now require humanitarian assistance. Many face severe food insecurity; hospitals have been forced to shut down after attacks or destruction.
The risk of a wholesale collapse is high, especially as the fragile peace agreement appears increasingly fragile and unmoored under renewed violence and governance failures.
Political Breakdown and Threat to Peace Deal
The head of the UN mission in South Sudan warned in April 2025 of a “sharp deterioration” in the political and security environment, citing aerial bombardments, civilian displacement, and “rapid relapse” toward civil conflict reminiscent of earlier wars after independence.
International actors and regional partners have repeatedly called — most recently in October — for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to the peace-deal framework (the Revitalized Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, R-ARCSS), warning that repeated ceasefire violations and escalation risk full collapse.
Allegations of widespread corruption have further undermined trust in governance. A UN report in 2025 accused high-level officials of diverting public funds, mismanaging revenues, including proceeds from oil and trade licences, and failing to deliver basic services. This corruption is cited as a major driver of the state’s failure to protect citizens and address humanitarian needs.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian agencies have repeatedly issued urgent calls for cessation of hostilities, greater protection for civilians, restoration of peace-deal commitments, and massive humanitarian support.
Observers warn that without regional engagement, accountability, and a recommitment to peace, South Sudan risks sliding back into full-scale civil war, with devastating consequences for civilians, regional stability, and future peace.
Economic Risk: Dependence on Oil Exports Under Strain
South Sudan remains heavily dependent on oil revenues — over 90% of government income, but in May 2025, a decision by neighboring Sudan to suspend or threaten to suspend the export of South Sudan’s oil via Sudanese export routes put Juba’s economy at risk. Analysts warned this could collapse South Sudan’s fragile economy, drive inflation, and worsen poverty and food insecurity.
Given the ongoing conflict in Sudan and volatility around export routes, South Sudan’s ability to maintain stable revenues, and fund public services, remains deeply uncertain.
US Travel Ban
As of 14 March 2025, the Trump Administration announced that its considering implementing comprehensive travel restrictions affecting citizens from 43 countries, including Sudan and South Sudan.
Red List (full visa suspensions): 11 countries, including Sudan, may face complete visa suspensions.These countries would be flatly barred from entering the US. This list was formed by the State Department a few weeks ago and changes could well be made.
Orange List (partial visa suspensions): 10 countries, including South Sudan, could experience sharp restrictions on specific visa categories that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.
However, in December 2025, the US travel ban expanded, barring nationals of South Sudan and four additional countries from entering the US. In addition to South Sudan, the full-entry restrictions will be imposed on people from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Syria and Palestine and will come into force on 1 January 2026.
The Good News
Cultural Resilience
Despite the conflict and instability, there were some signs of cultural resilience.
The second edition Pojulu Cultural Festival took place in Juba in May 2025 with the aim of promoting national cohesion, celebrating cultural heritage, and encouraging unity among diverse ethnic communities.
The 5th edition of Derik Cultural Festival (DCF) took place from 15 to 22 November 2025 at the University of Juba. The organising committee chose four phenomenal women – educationalist Professor Julia Aker, pioneering diplomat Salwa Gabriel, music icon Viviana Nyacha, and drama and broadcasting pioneer Majorie Elianan – to celebrate under the theme, “Women of South Sudan: A Legacy of Struggle and Inspiration,” emphasising that women are not just the carrier of culture, rather they are the backbone of our nation.
Organisers and community leaders described the festival as a “living testimony” to connecting generations and fostering pride and unity despite the country’s deep challenges.
Anok Yai Wins Model of the Year at The 2025 Fashion Awards
South Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai won Model of the Year by British Fashion Council (BFC) at The Fashion Awards 2025, which took place on 1 December 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
