South Sudan

Overview

Five years of civil war have led to widespread human rights violations large-scale internal displacement and refugee outflow to Sudan and Uganda, as well as largely deteriorated food security. Clashes continue despite a peace agreement in 2018, causing further displacements. Intercommunal violence is widespread, with cattle raids a common source of tension, particularly between agro-pastoralist communities. Over 3.6 million people are estimated to be displaced, including 1.4 million IDPs and 2.2 million South Sudanese refugees. In addition, South Sudan host nearly 300,000 refugees from Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia and CAR.?

More than 4.45 million Sudanese are expected to be facing acute food insecurity until December 2019, with 3,670,000 in Crisis phase (IPC 3) and 875,000 in Emergency phase (IPC 4). Critical malnutrition levels are reported in 58 counties.? The conflict and displacement have led to disruptions of food production, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance, as well as deterioration of the economy. ?The main rainy season from June-September has a significant impact on road access. Attacks and ambushes on humanitarian convoys severely hamper the delivery of assistance and access to populations in need. ?

INFORM measures South Sudan's risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster for 2019 to be very high, at 8.9/10, down from 9/10 in 2018. South Sudan's vulnerability is measured at 9.2/10.?

Latest Developments

Violence in Pieri in Jonglei State in South Sudan and an attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Rokero in Central Darfur, Sudan, have caused a reduction of health activities in both areas. On 14 May, fighting erupted between factions of the Sudanese security forces and soldiers forced their way into a MSF facility in Rokero, Sudan, injuring one staff member. The health facility has been reduced in capacity to provide life-saving care only.

On 16 May, intercommunal violence erupted in Jonglei state in South Sudan, forcing civilians and MSF staff to flee. One MSF employee was killed and more than 50 people wounded. Médecins Sans Frontières has suspended all activities at their Pieri health centre. It is not known just how many were killed or wounded in the incident and displacement is likely given that many homes were burned. Pieri experiences high levels of intercommunal violence and access to healthcare is a challenge. With the closure of the Pieri facility, the nearest MSF clinic is 50km away in Lankien.?

For information on the impact of COVID-19 in South Sudan, see the paragraph below.