More than one million people have fled to South Sudan from conflict-ridden Sudan since April 2023, marking a record influx according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The highest number, over 770,200, arrived through the Joda border point in Renk County. Additional crossings occurred at Majokyinthiou in Northern Bahr Gazal State, Panakuach in Unity State, and Abyei Amiet in Abyei Administrative Area.
Most arrivals are South Sudanese nationals who previously sought refuge in Sudan during South Sudan's civil war. Thousands of Sudanese nationals and others from various countries have also crossed into South Sudan seeking safety.
UN agencies have raised concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis. Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR South Sudan Deputy Representative, stated, “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark statistic that shows the increasing scale of this crisis.”
She emphasized the need for international support, highlighting the generosity of South Sudanese communities that are hosting the newcomers despite limited resources.
According to IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, Said Vijaya Souri, the agency is prepared to enhance its response to the urgent needs of the displaced population.
The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, between the army led by Gen. Al-Burhan and the RSF under Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Estimates suggest the death toll may be around 130,000.
Violence continues in various regions of Sudan, with both factions accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and obstructing humanitarian aid.