KEY DEVELOPMENTS
· Insecurity and fighting continue to severely affect communities and impede humanitarian access across South Sudan, with violence displacing more than 580,000 people both internally and as refugees to neighboring countries as of January 19, according to the U.N.
· The security situation remains unpredictable and tense in areas affected by violence, particularly in Bor and Malakal, with persistent reports of targeted killings, looting, destruction of property, and other abuses that have affected civilians.
· Relief agencies remain concerned by recent fighting in Awerial County, Lakes State, where approximately 84,000 people have fled following violence in Jonglei and Unity states. Although humanitarian organizations have conducted rapid needs assessments and are closely monitoring fluid security conditions, recent insecurity has prompted some humanitarian personnel to relocate from conflict-affected areas.
· Government of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) authorities and opposition group representatives signed a cessation of hostilities agreement on January 23, according to international media. Relief agencies continue to monitor potential changes in security and humanitarian conditions in South Sudan related to the signed agreement, as part of an overall commitment to provide needs-based assistance.