South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (March 2025)

In March, tensions escalated in Nasir, Baliet, Ulang, Longochuk, Manyo and Panyikang counties of Upper Nile State, following clashes between government forces and armed groups in Nasir town on 4 March. An initial estimate, based on an emergency assessment in Nasir, Ulang and Longochuk counties reported dozens of civilians killed and over 80,000 people displaced by armed clashes and airstrikes, including some 35,000 people who fled to Gambella region in Ethiopia. Clashes were also reported in parts of Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Unity states. In Central Equatoria, increased tension in Yei, Kajo-keji, Lainya and Morobo counties forced an unconfirmed number of people to flee for safety, while others fled towards the border with Uganda. Humanitarian agencies reported that some 4,000 people moved into Juba IDP camps in March as a precaution while tensions and fears of intercommunal violence are high. An unconfirmed number of new arrivals have also been reported in Malakal Protection of Civilians site, which is already congested with about 42,000 people sheltering at the location. The fighting in parts of the country has deepened a severe public health crisis. As of 31 March, about 43,3281 cholera cases and 801 deaths were recorded in 43 counties across nine states and two administrative areas. Other disease outbreaks also continued to be reported including Hepatitis E in Rubkona County in Unity, Fangak County in Jonglei, Wau County in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Twic County in Warrap and Abyei area; mpox in Juba County, Central Equatoria and Malakal; and measles in Yambio, Western Equatoria, Juba in Central Equatoria, and Twic in Warrap State. In addition, health facilities data reveal a spike in cases of diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia, in counties affected by fighting in Upper Nile State, which are set to worsen during the rainy season. By the end of March, over 1.1 million people have arrived in South Sudan from Sudan since conflict started in April 2023, further worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Funding shortages have reduced services for at least a million people.