UN: Over 420,000 Displaced in South Sudan by Violence in Five Months

South Sudan faces a deepening humanitarian crisis as over 420,000 people have been displaced by violence between January and May, according to a UN report. The state of Jonglei has become the epicenter, with escalating clashes between the South Sudanese army and the armed opposition driving the displacement.

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Between January and May, more than 420,800 people were displaced across South Sudan due to conflict, according to figures from the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) detailed that over 324,100 people fled violence within Jonglei. Many remained in the state, while thousands sought refuge in Mingkaman, Lakes state. The situation in Jonglei, particularly Akobo county, is described as fragile and unstable, with ongoing violence and protection issues exacerbating humanitarian needs.

The Akobo County Hospital is overwhelmed, serving nearly five times its capacity. Intercommunal clashes in Bor county on May 20th further displaced over 3,000 people, destroying homes and livelihoods. This displacement crisis unfolds alongside severe public health emergencies, including over 103,800 cholera cases and 1,673 deaths nationwide since September 2024, and 105 mpox cases since January.

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This includes over 324,100 people displaced by violence in Jonglei state.

South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, continues to grapple with recurrent armed conflicts, intercommunal violence, climate crises, and disease outbreaks. These persistent challenges leave millions dependent on humanitarian assistance, highlighting the nation's ongoing struggle for stability and well-being.

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The humanitarian situation in Jonglei, particularly in Akobo county, is fragile and unstable, with continued violence, protection issues, and population movements driving humanitarian needs.