HIGHLIGHTS
Violent clashes resume in Upper Nile State’s capital of Malakal town.
Humanitarian access remains constrained in Unity State as insecurity and attacks against aid workers continue.
Relief agencies expand efforts to pre-position food rations and critical supplies prior to April-to-August rainy season.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Fighting has resulted in increased population displacement in recent days, with violence displacing nearly 873,000 people—including both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing to neighboring countries—since December 15, according to the U.N.
Unpredictable security conditions continue to impede consistent, robust humanitarian operations, particularly in conflict-affected areas of Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states. Many displaced people are sheltering in remote areas widely dispersed across large portions of the country, while persistent fighting and increased criminality continue to compound difficulties for providing sustained assistance.
Logistical challenges have also impeded relief efforts. On February 14, a cargo plane chartered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) crashed upon landing in Bentiu town, Unity, resulting in one death and multiple injuries among crew members. Prior to the crash, IOM-chartered flights had facilitated the delivery of approximately 154 metric tons (MT) of relief commodities to communities in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile.
Despite access constraints, relief agencies are increasing efforts to coordinate humanitarian response activities for displaced populations and expand response efforts where possible, providing limited humanitarian support for approximately 302,500 people as of February 17. Relief organizations are focusing efforts on pre-positioning of food supplies and relief commodities prior to the upcoming April-to-August rainy season, which will likely impede humanitarian access to populations in need through October.