HIGHLIGHTS
Security conditions and population movements remain unpredictable in conflict-affected areas.
Emergency food assistance reaches more than 227,000 people.
Measles vaccination campaigns result in decreasing mortality rates at UNMISS bases in Juba, Central Equatoria State.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Clashes continue in areas of Lakes and Unity states, and population movements remain fluid across South Sudan, with nearly 724,000 South Sudanese internally displaced and an additional 145,000 people seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Although estimates of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have decreased since early February due to population returns to Bor town, Jonglei State, and Malakal town, Upper Nile State, the U.N. notes that tens of thousands of people are moving throughout the country, making displacement verification and population tracking difficult.
The humanitarian community reiterates that unfettered access is essential to enable relief activities for all conflict-affected populations throughout Government of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS)-held and opposition-controlled areas of South Sudan. Although relief agencies have reached approximately 302,500 people with assistance despite severe access constraints, persistent access impediments could worsen humanitarian conditions.
While relief agencies remain concerned regarding health conditions among overcrowded IDP populations at the UNMISS Tong Ping base in Juba, the U.N. reports that overall health conditions have improved and morality rates are now below emergency levels.
Negotiations on the cessation of hostilities agreement between RSS authorities and opposition group representatives—previously scheduled to resume in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 10—were postponed, according to international media.
