Civilians experience record levels of food insecurity

  • The impacts of persistent conflict, climate change and political uncertainty return South Sudan to the IRC’s Watchlist Top 10.
  • The country is still recovering from a civil war that ended in 2018, and while conflict has decreased, localized fighting remains widespread.
  • Climate disasters including severe flooding and drought make it increasingly difficult for people to access food and basic resources; more South Sudanese people than ever - 7.8 million - will face crisis levels of food insecurity in 2023.
Learn more about crises on the 2023 Watchlist.

Country facts

  • Population: 11.2 million
  • People displaced by crisis: 4.8 million
  • Rank in Human Development Index: 191 of 191

IRC response

  • Started work in southern Sudan: 1989
  • People assisted: 1.1 million in 2019