EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On 15 December, fighting broke out in Juba, the capital of the Republic of South Sudan, between government forces and anti-government forces loyal to ex-Vice President, Riek Machar. The fighting and related, targeted violence against civilians, caused immediate displacement of large numbers of people either away from violence or to the bases of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The conflict has since spread to other areas of the country. Currently, seven states are directly or indirectly affected by the conflict. Neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and the Republic of the Sudan have begun to receive refugees as fighting continues. Related Immediate Response (IR) EMOPs have been developed to meet the immediate needs of South Sudanese fleeing to these countries, supplementing existing refugee operations. Displaced people have congregated in UNMISS bases in Juba, Bor, Bentiu and Malakal and are also reportedly gathering in remote locations, including areas beyond the reach of humanitarian actors.