Crisis overview
On 15 December 2013, violent clashes erupted in neighbouring South Sudan. The violence rapidly deteriorated into a full-out conflict spreading to the eastern states of South Sudan. The conflict adopted inter-ethnic violence, with forces from different tribes engaged in the violence along traditional conflict lines (ACAPS 02/2014). Jonglei state, the origin for most refugees crossing the border into Ethiopia, is home to six ethnic groups, and has a long history of sporadic inter-ethnic violence. The current conflict predominantly stands between members of Dinka and Anuak tribes against Nuer (ACAPS 02/2014).
A large number of refugees have crossed into the westernmost Gambella region of Ethiopia since the start of the conflict.
The refugees arrive in dire condition and are mostly concentrated at border points with limited assistance before being relocated to camps.
This influx is stretching the local capacity with several camps being filled up. Currently, 27,651 refugees have been relocated to Leitchor camp (which has capacity for 20,000) (UNICEF 10/03/2014) and new camps are being set up - Tierkidi and Pugnido - between Gambella and Pagak. The response has been slow.