OVERVIEW
On 23 January, South Sudanese officials and rebels signed a ceasefire agreement, hailed as the first step towards ending a conflict that has killed thousands of people.
Over 646,500 people have been internally displaced in South Sudan, including 76,500 sheltered at the bases of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and another 108,000 who have fled into Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan as a result of the violence since 15 December 2013.
Bor and Malakal are back under the Government’s control. The intense fighting and human rights violations that preceded the take-over of Malakal resulted in population displacement into Maban County and may lead to a further refugee outflow into Ethiopia.
Major concerns remain over continuing reports of recruitment/forced recruitment, including of children in Upper Nile and Unity States. Measures are being put in place by the authorities to minimize the presence of armed elements in Yida (Unity State).
UNMISS peacekeepers have now re-deployed to Yida, allowing UNHCR to gradually resume full presence in Pariang County. 35 UNHCR staff are now in Yida.