South Sudan

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)

12 November 2024

In November 2024, a notable increase in malaria cases was observed in Central and Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Northern Bahr Al Ghazal, Unity, and Upper Nile states, further straining the already fragile healthcare system. In Northern Bahr Al Ghazal, malaria cases typically rise during the rainy season, but the situation since August has been particularly severe. By September, severe malaria admissions among children had surged to approximately 400 per week, resulting in 41 deaths, including 36 children, in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. (AA 05/11/2024, MSF 07/11/2024)

05 November 2024

By 1 November 2024, flooding had affected over 1.4 million people across 43 counties in South Sudan and the Abyei Administrative Area, with lowland areas in Jonglei and Northern Bahr Al Ghazal states among the hardest hit. The natural hazard-related disaster has displaced nearly 375,000 people in 21 counties and the Abyei Administrative Area. Heavy rainfall and flooding have also made 15 major supply routes impassable, significantly limiting access to the affected populations. (OCHA 01/11/2024, Eye Radio 02/11/2024)

08 October 2024

On 3 October 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the declaration of a state of emergency in flood-affected states of South Sudan. Since August, flooding has affected more than 890,000 people, displacing about 226,000 until 4 October. Unity state has been the hardest hit, with 114,480 people displaced. Access remains a challenge, given damaged and impassable roads. The flooding is expected to peak in November, causing further damage. The floods have already damaged schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. (OCHA 04/10/2024, AA 03/10/2024)