INTRODUCTION
When conflict erupted in Blue Nile State in September 2011, thousands of people began fleeing their homes. Indiscriminate bombing targeted a vulnerable civilian population and members of the southern-aligned political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), were harassed, detained and, in some cases, killed. The influx of more than 30,000 people across the border into South Sudan created a humanitarian crisis and prompted a massive international emergency response. The crisis beset population of Blue Nile found relative stability and a local population willing to embrace them in Maban County, Upper Nile State. However, as time has passed, the refugee population has swelled to a staggering 110,000 people and perceived inequalities and competition for resources has started causing tensions between the host and refugee populations.
Based on desk research, consultations in Maban among refugee and host communities and months of working in the area, this paper brings together a historical, socio-economic and political perspective on the communities present in Maban. The paper also provides an outline of areas of tension and potential conflict mitigation responses.