Introduction
While South Sudan prepares for its national elections scheduled for December 2026, the human rights, security and humanitarian situation remains worrisome. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) conveyed its fears of a return to full-scale atrocities following the convergence of multiple risk factors for atrocity crimes. The CHRSS visited the country in early September 2026 to engage with all relevant stakeholders on the evolving human rights, humanitarian, political and security situation, including the impact of renewed hostilities and displacement. Further, resumption of the armed conflict is reported in several parts of the country, in Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity states, with clashes and civilian deaths also recorded in Western and Central Equatoria states. The illicit transfer of arms exacerbates an already fragile country situation.
Expression
According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), South Sudan’s press freedom rating deteriorated from 109 in the 2025 Index to 118 out of 180 countries, marking a continued decline in conditions for journalists. RSF reports that journalists continue to face pressure from state and security actors, as access to information remains tightly restricted.
In February 2026 the CIVICUS Monitor documented that President Salva Kiir had signed the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act into law, legalising a framework that expands government control over online activity in South Sudan. Against this background, Digwatch, a Geneva based internet platform, reports that South Sudan is coordinating implementation of the Act after President Salva Kiir instructed government institutions to enforce the legislation. Critics of the law warn that broadly worded offences can be used against journalists, political opponents and people expressing legitimate criticism online, especially without independent oversight and clear enforcement guidelines.
Kennedy Nimaya, a South Sudanese journalist and registered refugee, was deported from Egypt to South Sudan over allegations linking him to an opposition group. According to relatives, Nimaya was detained by Egyptian authorities on 29th April 2026 while trying to renew his residency permit and remained in custody until he was deported to Juba on 9th June 2026. His family said they had been unable to establish his whereabouts since his arrival in South Sudan and feared he may be in the custody of security agencies. Nimaya formerly worked for several South Sudanese Arabic-language newspapers, including Al-Masier and Al Masar, and served as a journalist for Juba City Council. Nimaya had previously been accused by South Sudanese authorities of links to the National Salvation Front (NAS), an opposition group led by General Thomas Cirillo. His family denies the allegations.