South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (May 2025)

As of end of May, an estimated 198,000 people remained displaced in Upper Nile and Jonglei states due to escalation of hostilities since early March.

The violence has severely disrupted essential services, exacerbated food insecurity, and contributed to the spread of disease outbreaks, including cholera. Some individuals have experienced multiple displacements. Fear and anxiety remain high among affected communities, compounded by repeated sightings of aircraft and ongoing violence. Humanitarian access to affected populations continues to be constrained by active hostilities and movement restrictions, impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance.

In Warrap State, local authorities reported that intracommunal violence in Tonj East and Tonj North counties resulted in several fatalities and displaced over 100,000 people. Homes were burned and property destroyed during the clashes. In Central Equatoria State, humanitarian partners conducted an inter-agency assessment in Morobo County on 22 May and estimated that approximately 18,700 people had been displaced by armed clashes.

The South Sudan Flood Experts Group has issued an early warning indicating an elevated risk of severe flooding during the second half of 2025. According to satellite monitoring by the Improved Anticipation of Floods on the White Nile (INFLOW), flood extent as of late May already exceeds levels observed at the same time in 2024. On 22 May, humanitarian partners conducted a rapid assessment in Mayendit County, Unity State, and reported that heavy rains had affected an estimated 4,300 people across several villages.

Flooding submerged homes and farmlands, resulting in the loss of livelihoods and disruption of daily life. Since September 2024, at least 70,795 cholera cases and 1,353 associated deaths had been reported across nine states, placing immense pressure on an already fragile health system.
In May alone, 10,877 cases and 177 deaths were recorded. Despite urgent needs, humanitarian access continues to shrink. Attacks on aid workers and humanitarian assets are increasing, further undermining the ability of partners to deliver life-saving assistance.