South Sudan Conflict Leaves at Least 2 Million Displaced, UNHCR Reports

The UN Refugee Agency specified that some 555,000 people fled South Sudan to other countries, while at least 1.5 million people were displaced internally.

The latest wave of forced migration has occurred over the last two months, mainly due to fighting in the Upper Nile and Unity states, which pushed out another 100,000 residents.

Clashes have also blocked humanitarian aid deliveries destined to sustain some 650,000 people.

Since the beginning of the year, some 60,000 South Sudanese have fled the country, mostly to Sudan (30,000), Ethiopia (15,000) and Uganda (15,000).

UNHCR also reported that an estimate of more than 3.8 million people, representing a third of South Sudan’s total population of 11 million, are undernourished.

Given the prevailing insecurity and food shortage, the UNHCR anticipates a likely increase in the number of refugees.

Armed conflict has plagued South Sudan since December 2013 when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir clashed with rebels loyal to deposed Vice President Riek Machar.