Mvolo County, Western Equatoria State

Demographics

2008 NBS Census population: 48,134

2021 NBS PES population estimate*: 65,339

2022 UN OCHA population estimate*: 75,350

2024 UN OCHA population estimate*: 65,339

2024 IPC population estimate: 77,611

2025 UN OCHA population estimate*: 77,611

Ethnic groups: Belle/’Jur Bel(i)’, Bongo, Wira, Nyamusa/Nyamosa, Moru, Moru/Moro Kodo**

Displacement Figures as of September 2024: IDP figures unavailable; 31,284 returnees (-8922 Sept. 2023)

IPC Food Security: November 2024 – Crisis (Phase 3); IPC Projections: December 2024 to March 2025 – Crisis (Phase 3); April 2025 to July 2025 – Crisis (Phase 3)

Economy & Livelihoods

Mvolo County is located in Western Equatoria State. It borders Maridi County to the south-west, Mundri West County to the south, and Mundri East County to the south-east. It also borders Lakes State (Wulu and Yirol West Counties) to the north and Central Equatoria State (Terekeka County) to the east.

The county falls within the ironstone plateau agro-pastoral livelihoods zone (FEWSNET 2018). In 2018, subsistence farming accounted for the primary livelihood of 50% of the population according to estimates by FAO and WFP (2018). This estimate had increased to 70% by 2021 (FAO/WFP 2022). The food crops that are grown in the area include: sorghum, millet, cassava, maize, groundnuts, beans, sesame, and sweet potatoes, with subsistence animal husbandry and beekeeping supplementary livelihood activities in parts of the county. Gross cereal yields were estimated to be 0.95 tonnes per hectare in 2021, declining to 0.9 tonnes per hectare in 2022 (FAO/WFP 2022; FAO/WFP 2023). The Naam River is the most significant geographical feature in county.

In November 2024, Mvolo County was determined to be experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels of food insecurity. This is predicted to be maintained until at least July 2025.

Infrastructure & Services

The county’s headquarters is located in Mvolo town in Mvolo Payam. Mvolo sits on trade routes connecting Juba, Western Equatoria and major markets in the Greater Bahr el-Ghazal region such as Rumbek. Ongoing insecurity in Mvolo and surrounding counties (especially in Lakes State) has led to deterioration of transportation and trade routes. Combined with rising inflation, this has significantly impacted food security, availability and accessibility. In early 2021, Mvolo residents reported a reduction of illegal roadblocks throughout the county and improved ease of movement to towns like Mundri.

Mvolo County is home to eighteen (18) Early Childhood Development centres, sixty (60) primary schools, and three (3) secondary schools including Unity Secondary and Mvolo Secondary in Mvolo Payam and Yeri Secondary in Yeri Payam.

In December 2024, the WHO reported that Mvolo County had fourteen (14) health facilities, of which eleven (11) were functional. These functional facilities included nine (9) primary health care units (PHCUs), two (2) primary health care centres (PHCCs), and no hospitals. This means there were approximately 1.74 PHCUs per 15,000 people and 1.29 PHCCs per 50,000 people in the county at that time.

According to OCHA’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs Overview, there are an estimated 38,805 people in need in Mvolo County, which represents approximately 50% of the county’s total population reported by OCHA for 2025. For comparison, in 2024, OCHA reported that there were an estimated 41,103 people in need in Mvolo County, of whom 32,344 were non-displaced people, with the remainder comprising IDPs and returnees. According to OCHA’s 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 43,949 people in the county had humanitarian needs (up from 31,100 in 2021), which accounted for approximately 58% of the estimated population for Mvolo County reported in the HNO that year. Physical constraints including mountainous terrain, roads passing through isolated forest areas, broken bridges and deep gullies have made Mvolo and the neighbouring Mundri area among the more inaccessible in the country.

Conflict Dynamics

Although part of Western Equatoria State, present-day Mvolo County has traditionally enjoyed close links with Lake State’s Wulu County, particularly among the Belle/’Jur Bel(i)’ community who reside along the boundary between the two states. These links have led to historical disagreements about whether Mvolo should be integrated into the administration of Lakes State or remain as part of the Equatoria region, and also whether the administration of Wulu and Mvolo counties should be unified, as was the case for a brief period during the early 2000s (USAID 2010, p.190). In addition to the Belle population resident in the county, parts of the Bongo, Moru, and Moru Kodo communities are also based in Mvolo, as well as the Wira and Nyamusa/Nyamosa communities.

Mvolo was not directly impacted by fighting during the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005), though experienced negative repercussions linked to the conduct of armed groups who would periodically make use of the remote area for sanctuary (Lambo 2020). Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, Mvolo has been affected by a series of localised and cross-border conflicts and land disputes (USAID 2010; CSRF 2020, p.3), with flare ups of conflict often producing significant waves of displacement for brief periods of time. Mvolo has also been increasingly exposed to sporadic violence involving opposition movements in recent years, as the national conflict (discussed below) gradually expanded to Western Equatoria.

During the CPA era (2005-2011), conflict involving the Belle community and pastoralists from the Dinka and Atuot/Atwot communities of Lakes State (who traditionally migrate with their cattle into parts of Mvolo) broke out in early 2006 (Sudan Tribune 2006). Conflict escalated despite historically amicable relations between the affected communities, with inter-marriage and trading links strengthening bonds between the groups (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2011; Lambo 2020). For much of the CPA era, conflict became recurrent in Kokori and Bagori payams to the north and west of Mvolo, and also intermittently affected Bahr El Grindi, Dari, and Lessi payams to the east (USAID 2010, pp.183, 186, 192-94).

Despite a 2007 peace conference in Yambio (USAID 2010, p.197), cross-border clashes with pastoralists from Lakes State’s Rumbek East County were reported in early 2009, while conflict involving parts of the Atuot and Belle communities markedly escalated in early 2011. During 2011, violence spread across the border into Yirol West County in Lakes, and resulted in a number of deaths and injuries alongside significant displacement (AFP 2011; Nonviolent Peaceforce 2011; Sudan Tribune 2011a)

These conflicts have been linked to disputes over land use (alongside the naming of land), and have been sustained by deficiencies within the justice and security sectors in a context characterised by an increasing prevalence of firearms. Meanwhile, second-order grievances linked to instances of violence, cattle theft, and property destruction, including of homes, fishing nets, and beehives have also helped to spur on further violence. The conflicts have also reportedly been complicated by the alleged linkages between some military commanders and pastoralist communities, and by the lack of administrative linkages between officials in Mvolo and their counterparts in Lakes (USAID 2010, pp.192-93, 198).

To address the violence that broke out in early 2011, three peace and reconciliation conferences were held during the year. In September 2011, a memorandum of understanding was reached between representatives from Mvolo and Yirol West counties to promote more positive relations, while outlining measures to restrict cross-border cattle movement and provide support for an ongoing disarmament campaign (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2011; Sudan Tribune 2011b).

Additionally, cattle theft among pastoralist communities from Lakes has been a further driver of conflict in the area (USAID 2010, p.183). In early 2013, Mvolo was impacted by raiding and violence between parts of the Atuot and Dinka Agar communities, resulting in the displacement of many pastoralists (UNSC 2013, p.8). Meanwhile, an equivalent to the Arrow Boys (discussed further in various other profiles for Western Equatoria State) emerged among the Moro community in Mvolo, and were known locally as the Nyarango Boys, with nyarango referring to a white sorghum cultivated in the area (Craze 2023, p.7; Veuillet 2020, fn.9). These local community defence groups would become involved in clashes with armed pastoralists from Lakes, and are discussed further in the profiles for Mundri East and West counties. Separately, tensions have also arisen with youth from Mvolo and Wulu counties, with a land dispute resulting in fighting in 2012 and the destruction of a healthcare centre in Wulu in April 2013 (The Niles 2013).

During the national conflict (2013-2018), Mvolo – like most other parts of Western Equatoria – initially experienced few direct effects of the war. However, Mvolo was drawn into the spreading violence and insecurity in the state during the second half of the national conflict, with SPLA soldiers based in the county engaging in operations in nearby areas (Small Arms Survey 2016, p.9; Radio Tamazuj 2015). During the latter stages of the conflict, the SPLA-IO established a limited present in rural areas in the south-eastern part of Mvolo, including around the town of Yeri (Africa Confidential 2017). Sporadic clashes were reported between the SPLA and SPLA-IO in the Yeri area in April 2016 (Radio Tamazuj 2016). Across 2017, incidents involving unknown armed groups increased in the county (USAID 2017), as further clashes involving SPLA and SPLA-IO forces were again reported in the Yeri area in late 2017 (UNSC 2017, p.6). Additionally, the National Salvation Forces (NAS) claimed to have a presence in the county by late 2017 (Radio Tamazuj 2017a).

As the national conflict unfolded, cross-border and cattle-related conflicts also worsened in and around Mvolo. Conflict resumed between agriculturalists from Mvolo and pastoralists from Rumbek East in late 2014 and early 2015, and contributed to large-scale displacement in the area (OCHA 2015, p.2). Meanwhile, a multi-sided conflict involving several pastoralist groups escalated in northern and eastern Mvolo in April 2017 and resulted in significant displacement, with differing accounts of the circumstances surrounding the violence offered (Protection Cluster 2017, p.4; Women Aid Vision 2017). In May 2017, a peace conference was held in Mvolo to address cross-border conflicts, and was attended by governors and representatives from surrounding areas (Radio Tamazuj 2017b). The Mvolo Peace Conference set the stage for a follow-up conference in Terekeka in 2018 that established the Joint Border Peace Committee/Court (UNMISS 2018).

Although security temporarily improved following the signing of the R-ARCSS in 2018, violence increased in parts of Mvolo during 2020, with the identity of groups involved often ambiguous. This included reports of increasing abductions and ambushes along roads in the county (CEPO 2020; Radio Tamazuj 2020a), as well as an attack on SPLA-IO soldiers at a cantonment site in eastern Mvolo that took place in unclear circumstances (Radio Tamazuj 2020b). Additionally, cattle-related conflict has flared at several points, including a serious raid near Mvolo town in April 2020 that local officials alleged was conducted by a group from Yirol West County (Eye Radio 2020; Radio Tamazuj 2020c). Further cattle raiding was reported in 2021 (Eye Radio 2021), and the same year the governor of Western Equatoria State banned the movement of cattle into agricultural parts of Mvolo (Radio Tamazuj 2022). Despite this, low-level conflict has periodically resurfaced between agriculturalist and pastoralist communities since 2022 (Eye Radio 2023).

Administration & Logistics 

Payams: Mvolo (County Headquarters), Kokori, Bagori, Lessi, Bahr El Grindi, Dari, Yeri

UN OCHA 2020 map for Mvolo County: https://reliefweb.int/map/south-sudan/south-sudan-mvolo-county-reference-map-march-2020

Roads:

• Mvolo is connected by a primary road running north to Rumbek town (Lakes State) and south to Mundri town (Mundri West County). This road was deemed passable during both the rainy and dry seasons of 2024 and 2025, respectively.

• A secondary road connects Mvolo to Aluak-luak in Yirol West County (Lakes State). This road was considered ‘passable with difficulties’ during both the rainy and dry seasons of 2024 and 2025, respectively. Note that the primary road between Rumbek town and Mingkaman (which the secondary road joins) was impassible during the rainy season of 2022 but “passable with difficulties” in the rainy and dry seasons of 2024 and 2025.

• A tertiary road runs south to Maridi town in Maridi County. The condition of the road is unknown.

• A short tertiary road runs north to Billing village in Rumbek East County (Lakes State) from Mvolo town, the conditions of which are unknown. Please note that this road stops at Billing, and does not connect to any other roads in Lakes State.

UNHAS-recognized Heli-Landing Sites and Airstrips: None

MAF-Recognised Airstrips: Mvolo town

References

Africa Confidential. (2017). No let-up in southern fighting. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

AFP. (2011). Thousands flee deadly tribal clashes in South Sudan. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

CEPO. (2020). Abduction in Western Equatoria State, Mvolo County. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Craze, J. (2023). Jemma’s War: Political Strife in Western Equatoria. Small Arms Survey. Retrieved 4 December 2023.

CSRF. (2020). Context Update July-September 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Eye Radio. (2020). Mvolo cattle raid death toll rises to 10. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Eye Radio. (2021). Six traders missing in Mvolo-Rumbek road attack. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Eye Radio. (2023). WES: 10 injured as Mvolo farmers, cattle keepers clash with sticks. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

FAO/WFP. (2023). South Sudan 2022 Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) Summary of findings. Retrieved 10 July 2023.

FEWSNET. (2018). Livelihoods Zone Map and Descriptions for the Republic of South Sudan (Updated). Retrieved 10 July 2023.

 OCHA. (2015). Humanitarian Bulletin South Sudan | Bi-weekly update 18 September 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

OCHA. (2021). Humanitarian Needs Overview: South Sudan 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2023.

Protection Cluster. (2017). Protection Trends South Sudan: January – April 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2015). SPLA loses control of part of Mundri Town. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Radio Tamazuj. (2016). Mass military buildup in Wau as clashes flare in Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2017a). Cirilo’s group says repulsed government attack in Amadi. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2017b). South Sudan governors wrap up peace conference in Mvolo County. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Radio Tamazuj. (2020a). 3 traders killed along Eastern Lakes-Amadi border. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2020b). Two SPLA-IO soldiers injured by unknown gunmen in Mvolo County. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2020c). 9 killed, 6 injured in Mvolo cattle raid. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Radio Tamazuj. (2022). Cattle influx threatens farms and beehives in Wulu County. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

REACH. (2020). Integrated Needs Tracking (INT) County Profile – Mvolo County. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Small Arms Survey. (2016). Conflict in Western Equatoria: Describing events through 17 July 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Sudan Tribune. (2006). 20 killed in interethnic clashes in Western Equatoria. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Sudan Tribune. (2011a). Clashes between Mvolo and Yirol West counties leave 8 dead – reports. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Sudan Tribune. (2011b). South Sudan: WES’s Mvolo and Lake’s state Yirol West reconciliation. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

The Niles. (2013). Health centre set ablaze over land disputes in Wulu County. Retrieved via Wayback Machine 18 July 2023.

UNMISS. (2018). UNMISS supports pre-migration conference to reduce tensions between farmers and cattle owners. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

UNSC. (2013). Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, S/2013/140. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

UNSC. (2017). Report of the Secretary-General on South Sudan (covering the period from 2 September to 14 November 2017), S/2017/1011. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

USAID. (2017). South Sudan Complex Emergency fact sheet #11 September 01, 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2024.

Veuillet, E. (2020). ‘Grain against cattle: Resisting the new socio-political order: Reinterpreting farmer-herder conflicts in the region of Mundri, South Sudan’, Revue internationale des études du développement, 243 (3), pp. 89-113. French language text retrieved 16 March 2024.

Women Aid Vision. (2017). Assessment Report for Mvolo and Yeri IDPs. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Reports on Mvolo 

Amara, L-J., Jada, S.R., Ndjanfa, A.K., Carter, J.Y., Abd-Elfarag, G., Okaro, S., et al. (2024). ‘Impact of annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin on the incidence of epilepsy in Mvolo, a two-year prospective study’, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 18(3). Retrieved 30 March 2024.

Lambo, Y. (2020). In South Sudan, the Hope and Pain of Nonviolence. USIP. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

Nonviolent Peaceforce. (2011). Interstate Conflict in South Sudan: A Case Study in Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping. Retrieved 15 July 2023.

South Sudan Council of Churches. (2002). ‘Pankar Consultative Meetings: A Series of Two

Meetings to Address the Rising Trend of Inter Communal Conflict in the Lakes Area of Bahr

El Ghazal Region and Mvolo County’, proceedings, 16–20 September and 30–31 October. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 15 July 2023.

USAID. (2010). ‘Conflict Over Resources Among Rural Communities in Southern Sudan: A Case Study of Lake Girindi, Mvolo County, Western Equatoria State (WES),’ in Land Tenure

Issues in Southern Sudan: Key Findings and Recommendations for Southern Sudan Land Policy, pp.180-209. Note that pages referred to use the location within the PDF document, the rather than the page numbering system used in the original document.

* Note: The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Population Estimation Survey (PES) was published in April 2023 based on data collected in May-June 2021. This uses a different method to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Population Working Group (PWG) figures produced based on a combination of 2008 census data and population movement data up to 2022. The large discrepancies are primarily attributable to these different methods rather than changes in the actual population numbers over time and have been disputed by some civil society and analysts. Although the later PWG figures were produced more recently for the HNO 2023, at the request of the Government of South Sudan the data and method used by the PES is being used as the basis for the Common Operational Dataset (COD) for the UN system for the HNO 2024 and likely beyond. For further detail on this and other sources used in the county profiles, see the accompanying Methodological Note.

** Note: The Moru Kodo should not be confused with the Moru, who have a distinct language and culture. The former have historically settled in Maridi, Mundri West and Mvolo, and their name is variously described as ‘Moru Kodo’, ‘Moro Kodo’, ‘Morokodo’ or ‘Kodo Kodo’.