Escalating violence in South Sudan’s Nasir and Ulang counties is forcing thousands to flee, raising urgent humanitarian concerns in neighboring countries.
The number of South Sudanese refugees crossing into Ethiopia has surged dramatically as conflict intensifies in the northern regions of Nasir and Ulang. The worsening situation has displaced tens of thousands within South Sudan and is now driving a growing influx of refugees into neighboring countries.
Since mid-February 2025, an estimated 50,000 people have been displaced in Nasir, with another 34,000 uprooted from Ulang. The crisis has escalated rapidly, with the number of refugees crossing into Ethiopia’s Gambella region surpassing 10,000 by March 10—an alarming jump from 6,900 just four days earlier.
Most of the displaced are entering Ethiopia through Wanthoa, with migration extending to areas like Burbiey and Matar. Many refugees are seeking shelter within local communities, while others are forced to rely on makeshift shelters made from plastic sheeting.
Andrew Mbogori, the UNHCR Country Representative in Ethiopia, has sounded the alarm over the severe strain on resources in border areas, warning that the absorption capacity is already overstretched. “The numbers are expected to continue rising, creating a more urgent need for assistance,” he said.
Currently, the regional government’s Health Bureau, alongside Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), are the primary responders on the ground, offering critical aid to the displaced. Meanwhile, the UNHCR has initiated cross-border meetings with officials from South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia to coordinate a response to the deepening crisis.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has faced persistent instability since its descent into civil war in 2013. The latest surge in violence is further exacerbating the region’s humanitarian challenges, with no immediate resolution in sight.