South Sudan

13 August 2025

Armed clashes on 28 July 2025 in Kajo-Keji county, Central Equatoria, between South Sudanese and Ugandan communities over a contested border have displaced more than 16,000 people into four temporary sites in Kangapo 1 and 2 payams in the county. Displaced households are sheltering in churches, schools, and makeshift structures, facing urgent needs for food, safe water, shelter, and healthcare. Overcrowding raises protection risks, particularly for women and children. Humanitarian assistance is limited as insecurity highly constrains access. Disruption to cross-border trade and livelihoods is likely to worsen already severe food insecurity levels – i.e. Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse – in South Sudan. Without a rapid response, humanitarian conditions could deteriorate further. The violence follows earlier July tensions involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, highlighting the fragility of the Uganda–South Sudan border. Continued tensions may trigger additional displacement, including into Uganda. (Radio Tamazuj 06/08/2025, Xinhuanet 12/08/2025, AJ 01/08/2025)

30 July 2025

In June, violence against humanitarian workers and assets in South Sudan increased significantly as a result of the conflict between the Government and opposition forces, renewed attacks by the White Army, and escalating intercommunal tensions. Attacks have become more frequent, systematic, and widespread, affecting Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, and Warrap states. In Jonglei, three UN contractors were killed in an attack on the Bor-Pibor road, while a UN driver was injured in a separate incident. In Central Equatoria, 13 humanitarians were kidnapped for ransom near Yei and Mugwo counties. Armed groups also looted a health facility in Morobo and burnt ambulances. In Upper Nile’s Longochuk county, two health centres were vandalised, disrupting cold chain systems and halting services for 13 health facilities, affecting over 150,000 people. In Unity State’s Panyijiar County, aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and Uganda People’s Defence Forces forced the evacuation of aid workers and reduced humanitarian presence, further limiting assistance to people in need. (OCHA 15/07/2025, ECHO 29/07/2025, Radio Tamazuj 26/06/2025)

27 May 2025

Heavy flooding triggered by three consecutive days of rainfall has affected several counties in Unity state, South Sudan, with at least five deaths and widespread displacement. In Koch county, the floods have destroyed 69 buildings in the main market, damaged nine schools and four churches, and led to the loss of 70 cattle. In Mayendit county, the floods have destroyed the homes of approximately 6,000 people, driving displacement. Rubkona county has reported two deaths, several injuries, and significant damage to schools, health facilities, and homes. The rainy season is expected to worsen the situation, with above-average rainfall predicted between June–August, potentially affecting more people across the country. The current conditions may also contribute to the spread of cholera, already reported in parts of the country. Those displaced urgently need food, clean water, emergency shelter, and medical assistance as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. (Eye Radio 23/05/2025, WFP 26/05/2025, Radio Tamazuj 23/05/2025)

05 May 2025

On 3 May 2025, an air strike hit a Médecins Sans Frontiéres hospital in Old Fangak town, Jonglei state, displacing around 30,000 people, killing at least seven, and injuring 20, including patients, caregivers, and medical staff. The attack has left around 40,000 people without access to essential medical services, including emergency care, maternal health, and communicable disease treatment. Subsequent air strikes targeted a local market in Old Fangak town, causing widespread panic and civilian displacement. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and South Sudanese military officials have not commented. Old Fangak town, located in an opposition-aligned Nuer region, has experienced increased violence amid a broader government offensive against opposition groups. This latest incident will likely aggravate health needs in Jonglei state, which was already suffering from a lack of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas, given damage and destruction from conflict and flooding. (AP 03/05/2025, MSF 03/05/2025, Radio Tamazuj 03/05/2025)

18 March 2025

Since mid-February 2025, escalating violence in Upper Nile state between national forces and the White Army has triggered large-scale displacement. In Nasir town alone, approximately 50,000 people have been newly displaced, with an additional 34,000 displaced in Ulang county. By 10 March, over 10,000 individuals had crossed into Ethiopia’s Gambela region. The situation worsened on 16 March when an aerial bombardment in Nasir county killed at least 21 civilians, including two women and two children. Humanitarian operations have been significantly disrupted, with nearly 23 aid workers relocated. The cholera treatment unit in Nasir county has closed, aggravating cholera outbreaks in Baliet, Nasir, and Ulang counties, with 840 cases reported by 19 March. Protection needs are mounting, particularly for women and children, who face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and family separation as the conflict intensifies. Humanitarian needs are expected to continue rising as the conflict persists. (OCHA/UN RC/HC South Sudan 18/03/2025, Radio Tamazuj 17/03/2025, Radio Tamazuj 15/03/2025)

10 December 2024

A severe cholera outbreak in Malakal, South Sudan, has surged to 737 cases by 3 December 2024, overwhelming the limited response efforts. Poor living conditions and inadequate hygiene are worsening the crisis, with urgent needs including public health measures, more oral rehydration points, and improved water and sanitation services. (Al Jazeera 06/12/2024, MSF 06/12/2024)

19 November 2024

According to the latest IPC projections, between September–November 2024, approximately 6.3 million people in South Sudan will face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity, marking an increase of 500,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Among this number, 1.71 million will experience critical acute food insecurity categorised as Emergency (IPC Phase 4), and an additional 41,000 will face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5). Those facing IPC 5 include approximately 10,000 people in Malakal county (Upper Nile state) and an estimated 31,000 South Sudanese returnees displaced by the current conflict in Sudan. Key drivers include conflict and insecurity, economic instability, flooding, and low agricultural yields. Nearly 2.1 million children are projected to be at risk of malnutrition between July 2024 and June 2025. (AJ 18/11/2024, FAO et al. 18/11/2024, IPC 18/11/2024)