Crisis overview
On 15 December 2013, violent clashes erupted in South Sudan. The violence rapidly deteriorated into a full-out conflict spreading to the eastern states of the country. The conflict adopted interethnic violence, with forces from different tribes engaged in the violence along traditional conflict lines (ACAPS 02/2014).
As of 27 March, over one million South Sudanese have been displaced by the conflict, including 803,200 IDPs within South Sudan and 254,600 refugees in neighbouring countries (UNOCHA, 03/27/2014). There are 4.9 million people in South Sudan in need of assistance and 3.7 million people at high risk of food insecurity (UNOCHA, 03/2014).
In Upper Nile State (UNS) the situation is particularly concerning. The violence has restricted humanitarian access, and humanitarian teams and facilities have been attacked in the past months. Humanitarian needs are increasing, and upcoming rainy season will further complicate the provision of supplies, particularly to remote areas. Especially Maban County has been affected, where tension is rising in an already stressed situation between host community and refugees, mainly based on fighting over natural resources. Influx of IDPs from the current conflict and increasing food insecurity are exacerbating the situation.
UNS borders Sudan, Ethiopia and is within the most affected states by ongoing violence.