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

Heavy seasonal rains and floods are continuing across South Sudan. A state of emergency was declared by the Government of South Sudan on 30 October, in 30 counties across eight states: Eastern Equatoria, Central, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, and Warrap. According to UN OCHA, more than 900,000 people have been affected and at least 600,000 people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, including the distribution of food and NFIs, provision of emergency shelter, health care, and WASH infrastructure. ? In the most impacted areas, health centres, markets, and schools are inaccessible, humanitarian access is restricted, and communities have been displaced to higher ground. Livestock and farmland have also been destroyed, raising concerns of further food insecurity. Delivery of humanitarian aid has begun in many counties, including Maban, where around 200,000 people, including 143,000 refugees have been affected by the floods. The counties hardest hit by the rains are expected to experience acute food shortages and an increased risk of the spread of waterborne diseases. The rains are expected to continue through to December 2019, likely increasing the need for further humanitarian intervention.?