Transport Suspension in Renk Deepens Humanitarian Pressure

(RENK) – South Sudan’s capacity to manage population movements is being severely tested as humanitarian actors struggle to respond to growing displacement, particularly in Renk County, following the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan and operational setbacks within South Sudan.

Between April and June 2025, aid agencies under the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) programme supported over 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across four camps, including Bentiu, the country’s largest displacement site. The programme aims to improve living conditions, strengthen coordination, and support inclusive service delivery for communities affected by displacement.

This humanitarian effort is being supported by a consortium of international donors including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), and the Government of Canada.

However, the response has faced growing operational challenges, particularly in Renk County, where more displaced people are expected to remain due to the suspension of Onward Transport Assistance (OTA). As of 1 June 2025, OTA from Renk to other parts of South Sudan was halted, although limited transport continues from Wunthow and Joda to Renk. With this disruption, vulnerable returnees fleeing the Sudan conflict are increasingly stuck in overcrowded conditions in the Renk Transit Centre or within host communities already operating beyond their capacity.

Since April 2023, more than 1.18 million individuals have crossed into South Sudan from Sudan, adding strain to an already fragile humanitarian system. Aid groups report that the second quarter of 2025 was marked by deteriorating conditions due to logistical constraints, access limitations, and overcrowding.

In response, CCCM partners continue to work closely with humanitarian agencies and local authorities to manage the crisis. Their ongoing support focuses on maintaining dignified living standards and providing coordinated, principled services to displaced populations. Despite these efforts, the scale of displacement and limited movement options have left thousands vulnerable, with urgent calls for sustained international support.