South Sudan, the world's youngest country, is at the centre of a severe humanitarian crisis
Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has faced COVID, flooding, intercommunal violence and political unrest. The economy is in a downward spiral, and many don't have access to a health system.
To create change, we must learn more about the key issues behind the Sudan crisis, the daily hardships faced by millions and the efforts being made by our partners to support those who have sought refuge in South Sudan.
By looking closer the timeline of events, we can better understand the extent of this conflict and its ongoing impact.
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9m
people face acute hunger.
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2m
people have been displaced.
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80%
of people are in urgent need of aid.
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A brief history of South Sudan's crisis
2018: Peace agreement
A peace agreement is signed ending five years of civil war. The principle armed groups agree to put down their weapons and this cessation in hostilities generally still holds.
However, violence continues in many areas of the country, especially between armed groups in rural regions who have not signed the peace agreement.
2020: Transitional government
A new transitional government is formed, joining former rival political groups to help stabilise the country.
While this is a good step, many problems still exist, such as ongoing intercommunal violence. This includes attacks on civilians, people being forced from their homes and a lack of basic services.
2021-2024: Flooding
The country faces record-breaking floods, making the ongoing humanitarian crisis even worse. In 2024, more than one million people have been affected by rising waters, as the floods destroy farmland, homes and infrastructure.
South Sudan’s first ever elections are postponed by two years and peace processes continue to bring in groups who have not signed the peace agreement.
Christian Aid has been operating in the Sudan and the current South Sudan since the 1970s and we opened our field office in Juba, South Sudan, in 2008.
The impact of conflict and displacement
One of the most visible effects of South Sudan's crisis is the displacement of its people. Over 2 million people in South Sudan have been forced to leave their homes because of conflict, violence and natural disasters. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) often live in overcrowded camps with limited access to basic services like clean water, food and healthcare.
The civil war which began in 2013 forced entire communities to flee creating a ripple effect that continues today. Although the peace agreement in 2018 ended large-scale fighting smaller local conflicts still occur especially in remote areas. In addition to the violence flooding has become a major cause of displacement. In 2024, rising water levels have forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes.
Internally displaced people, (IDPs), are some of the most vulnerable people in South Sudan. Many have lost their jobs and depend completely on aid to survive. Life in displacement camps is very difficult with not enough food, shelter and healthcare. Women and children face higher risks of violence and exploitation in these camps and many children cannot attend school.
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Climate change and the humanitarian need in South Sudan
While conflict remains one of the main drivers of the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, climate change is making the situation worse. The country has experienced unprecedented rainfall in recent years resulting in widespread flooding. States such as Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei have been particularly affected with entire villages submerged by water.
The floods have had devastating effects on agricultural production. Farmland has been destroyed leaving millions of people without food. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), over nine million people in South Sudan are facing severe food insecurity. This includes over two million children under the age of five who are at risk of acute malnutrition.
As floods become more frequent and severe, South Sudan's food security crisis is expected to worsen. Increasing temperatures, the depletion of once arable land, unpredictable rainfall and long dry periods are making it hard for farmers to grow crops. In addition to food shortages the floods have disrupted access to clean water and increased the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria.
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Humanitarian aid efforts in South Sudan
In response to the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan international humanitarian organisations such as Christian Aid, and the United Nations agencies, are working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance. Humanitarian aid in South Sudan is focused on addressing the immediate needs of those affected by conflict, violence, hunger, and climate-related disasters.
Organisations are providing food, clean water, shelter and healthcare to millions of people in need. For instance in flood-affected areas aid agencies are building flood defences, and additional flood mitigation measures in flood prone areas, distributing food supplies, providing cash support, and constructing temporary shelters for displaced families. Healthcare services are also being scaled up to address the growing risk of disease outbreaks particularly in camps for IDPs.
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However delivering humanitarian aid in South Sudan is no easy task. Many areas are difficult to reach due to poor infrastructure and ongoing violence. Roads are often impassable during the rainy season and many communities can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. This makes the delivery of aid expensive and logistically challenging.
Despite these obstacles humanitarian organisations are working hard to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Local partnerships have been key to overcoming some of the logistical challenges as they allow aid agencies to work closely with community leaders and adapt to the unique needs of different regions.
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Building resilience and peace for the future
While the need for humanitarian aid in South Sudan is still urgent efforts are also being made to help communities recover and become more resilient. Christian Aid is focusing on both immediate assistance, as well as and long-term peacebuilding, conflict resolution and development cooperation with our partners.
While acknowledging the extent of conflict in South Sudan is incredibly important, we must not forget that highlights that peace at all levels has existed before and can be returned to.
Christian Aid’s partner, the South Sudan Council of Churches, powerful and unique legacy, working to resolve conflict and build lasting peace by addressing its root causes. Through dialogue, reconciliation and trauma healing, Action Plan for Peace foster cooperation among leaders, political groups, tribes and rural communities.
The appetite for peace is clear, and with elections in two years, these efforts are crucial to counter potential instability.
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A key area of focus is agriculture. Programmes to help farmers rebuild their livelihoods are being set up across the country. These programmes provide seeds, tools and training allowing farmers to grow food despite the difficult conditions.
Education is another important aspect of building resilience. Many children in South Sudan have missed years of schooling due to conflict and displacement. Aid agencies are working to provide access to education for displaced children helping them regain a sense of normality and build a brighter future.
Healthcare services are also being expanded with a focus on improving maternal and child health. Access to clean water and sanitation is being improved in camps for IDPs helping to prevent the spread of diseases.
Help us protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impact of flooding. Your support can make a difference.
A path forward for South Sudan
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is complicated and has many causes including conflict and climate change.
Millions of people urgently need help and the situation is still very unstable. However there is hope that with ongoing international diplomatic action, alongside humanitarian, peacebuilding and development partnerships which support locally led efforts to strengthen local communities, South Sudan can move towards a more stable and secure future.
The role of humanitarian aid in South Sudan is essential but lasting solutions must also involve the government and local communities. By working together it is possible to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the crisis and build a stronger and better future for the people of South Sudan.
Call on the UK to help prevent further conflict in South Sudan. Together we can help prevent further violence and conflict this Christmas.
