In the world’s youngest nation, millions are facing severe hunger as a devastating conflict continues to displace citizens. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, signifying an end to the longest-running civil war in Africa. However, five years later, violent conflict erupted following a political disagreement between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. The fighting is still ongoing and has left 1.9 million people internally displaced and killed hundreds of thousands.

Since June, there have been reports of civilians wounded and others killed, with almost 80,000 people displaced by the fighting in Tambura County, Western Equatoria. Majority of the displaced people have moved to Wau of Western Bahr el Ghazal State for aid. Out of the displaced 80,000 people, approximately 45,000 fled to Ezo County. Thousands more moved to the towns of Yambio, Namutina, Nagero, Wau, Mosso, and Nzara. According to an assessment done on the needs of people in Ezo, 6,000 people got food assistance, health, protection, nutrition support, education, and WASH services. Emergency funding is needed to fulfill the increasing needs of the conflict victims and to support the ongoing response.

There have also been reports of people fleeing to the Central African Republic. Civilians have been killed and their bodies left on the outskirts of Tambura to decompose without a decent burial. There have been reports of an increase in the number of unaccompanied and separated children. The recurring violence has destroyed the homes and livelihoods of people. The president of South Sudan has deployed a high-level committee to look into the root cause of the conflict in Tambura County and to find a solution and end the violence.