Rainy Season Brings New Dangers to Displaced South Sudanese

(Juba) – Nearly 200,000 people remain displaced in South Sudan as of the end of May 2025, with Upper Nile and Jonglei states experiencing the highest levels of upheaval following a sharp increase in violence that began in early March. The ongoing conflict has disrupted essential services, worsened food insecurity, and contributed to the spread of deadly diseases, including cholera.

According to humanitarian agencies, many displaced individuals have faced multiple displacements, fleeing more than once due to renewed fighting. Communities report high levels of fear and anxiety, fueled by continued violence and repeated sightings of aircraft in conflict zones. Aid delivery has become increasingly difficult, with access to affected populations restricted by active fighting and movement limitations.

In Warrap State, the situation has worsened due to internal community clashes in Tonj East and Tonj North counties. Local authorities report that these conflicts have resulted in several deaths and the displacement of more than 100,000 people. Entire homes were burned, and property was destroyed during the violence, leaving thousands without shelter.

Meanwhile, in Central Equatoria State, humanitarian workers carried out an inter-agency assessment in Morobo County on 22 May. They found that around 18,700 people had been displaced by ongoing armed clashes in the area, adding to the growing number of people in need of emergency support.

South Sudan is also facing an increasing threat of severe flooding. The South Sudan Flood Experts Group has warned that the risk of heavy flooding during the second half of 2025 is high. Satellite monitoring under the Improved Anticipation of Floods on the White Nile (INFLOW) initiative showed that flood levels as of late May were already above what was recorded at the same time in 2024.

In Unity State’s Mayendit County, heavy rains have already affected around 4,300 people across several villages. Floodwaters submerged homes and farmlands, wiping out livelihoods and forcing families to leave their communities.

Alongside violence and floods, South Sudan is battling a serious cholera outbreak. Since September 2024, the country has recorded at least 70,795 cholera cases and 1,353 deaths across nine states. In May 2025 alone, 10,877 cases and 177 deaths were documented. The growing number of infections continues to overwhelm the country’s fragile health system.

Despite the urgent needs, humanitarian access remains limited. Aid agencies are reporting increasing threats to their staff and resources, including attacks on aid workers and theft or destruction of humanitarian assets. These conditions are making it harder for international and local partners to provide life-saving services such as clean water, healthcare, and shelter.

With the rainy season intensifying and violence persisting across several regions, the humanitarian outlook for South Sudan remains critical. Aid workers have warned that without immediate support and improved access, more people may be displaced or face life-threatening conditions in the months ahead.