South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (May 2024)

In May, food insecurity, economic shocks, conflict, climate hazards and disease outbreaks, compounded by the influx of displaced persons sparked by the Sudan crisis¹ continued to drive the humanitarian needs of people in South Sudan. The number of people facing starvation is projected² to almost double in South Sudan between April and July 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. At least 20 counties in Central Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states are at risk of experiencing substantial flooding in the coming months due to rising levels of Lake Victoria and above-average rainfall³. In Panyijiar County, Unity State, an estimated 5,000 people fled their homes along the River Nile due to rising water levels. Nearly 26,000 people remained displaced in Tambura, Nagero and Ezo counties in Western Equatoria State due to intercommunal violence, which started in late April. Several displaced families reportedly left the displacement sites following the seven-day ultimatum from the Government to return to their places of origin in Tambura County, with some moving to Nagero County and others intending to cross into the Central African Republic to seek asylum. Intercommunal violence between conflicting communities in Malakal town, Upper Nile State, killed at least eight people and affected humanitarian activities. Nearly 600 people fled to the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site from Malakal town seeking safety. Separately, some 284 people arrived in Malakal town, Upper Nile State from Mayendit and Rubkona counties in Unity State, in search of humanitarian assistance due to the dire situation in their places of origin. In May, measles outbreaks4 were reported in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Western Equatoria, Lakes, Central Equatoria and Jonglei states; Yellow Fever in Western Equatoria State; and Hepatitis E virus in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Unity and Jonglei states.