Renk County, Upper Nile State

Demographics

2008 NBS Census population: 137,751

2021 NBS PES population estimate*: 38,976

2022 UN OCHA population estimate*: 194,155

2024 UN OCHA population estimate*: 38,976

2024 IPC population estimate: 199,980

2025 UN OCHA population estimate*: 210,351

Ethnic groups: Abialang/Abilang Dinka and Shilluk/Chollo

Displacement Figures as of September 2024: 45,381 IDPs (28,649 Sept. 2023) and 67,532 returnees (-5,279 Sept. 2023)

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

Economy & Livelihoods

Renk County is the northernmost county in South Sudan and is located in Upper Nile State. It borders Sudan to the north and east, Melut County to the south, Maban County to the south-east, and Manyo County to the west. The border with Sudan has been officially closed since independence in 2011 though humanitarian and oil industry related cargo are exceptions to the closure, while people and goods continue to move through unofficial crossing points. In August 2021, it was announced that four crossing points between Sudan and South Sudan would be opened, including the Joda crossing in Renk county. The coup in Sudan has halted this planned opening and the border remains officially closed as of November 2021.

The county is categorized as part of the Northern sorghum and cattle livelihood zone (FEWSNET 2018). Renk County’s primary economic activities include fishing along the Nile, agriculture, especially sesame (simsim) and sorghum, charcoal production, gum arabic production, and raising livestock. The FAO estimated that 40% of Renk County’s households were engaged in farming in 2018 (FAO/WFP 2019). This number of households engaged in farming has been maintained as of 2021. Gross cereal yields were reported at 0.75 tonnes per hectare in 2021, and rose to 0.9 tonnes per hectare in 2022, with the latter being the joint highest yield ratio in the state along with Manyo County (FAO/WFP 2022; FAO/WFP 2023). The county is home to a number of rain-fed, mechanized cereal (sorghum) production farms that make it one of South Sudan’s most productive food-producing counties. Despite disruption caused by the civil war, mechanized agriculture continues in the area and is one of the few counties in the country capable of large-scale cereal production. In 2019, it was estimated that 280 tractors were functional in the county (FAO/WFP 2019).

Renk County’s proximity to Sudan has made it a key location for trade. Farming and trade patterns have historically been closely linked to Sudan, with a significant portion of the sorghum harvest destined for markets there. Following conflict in the border areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in 2011, there has been a reorientation towards Juba and southern markets.

The outbreak of the recent national conflict in December 2013 significantly disrupted agriculture production, trade, and livelihoods in Renk County. The county has experienced a decrease in crop yields due to insecurity, as well as insufficient rain in recent years and crop pests. Additionally, farmers that previously grew sorghum have switched to growing sesame, as they are able to obtain higher prices for the crops through trade with Sudan. Renk County has also experienced the effects of disruption in traditional cattle migratory routes, a dynamic that has exacerbated local tensions, imperilled livelihoods and altered disease patterns across the country.

IPC projections for Renk are at Crisis levels (IPC Phase 3) of food insecurity as of November 2024, and are project to remain at Crisis levels until at least July 2025.

In 2021 Renk was identified as a flood-affected county by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

Infrastructure & Services

The county headquarters is Renk town. The oil pipeline from the Paloich oil field in Melut County runs northwards through Renk County into White Nile State of Sudan.

Renk Port on the Nile River provides a major means of transportation in the county using commercial boats and steamers, particularly to Malakal and Juba. Illegal checkpoints along the major roads and the Nile River are identified by traders as an obstacle to business. A 2019 assessment revealed that the local population was increasingly relying on markets to obtain staple cereals, as opposed to subsistence agriculture, due to perceived insecurity in growing areas (REACH 2019). However, prices have increased in the market, which was unaffordable for many households. As a result, they were resorting to strategies such as borrowing money, purchasing on credit and selling livestock to raise cash.

Renk is home to twenty-five (25) Early Childhood Development centres, sixty-one (61) primary schools, and seventeen (17) secondary schools.

In December 2024, the WHO reported that Renk County had twenty-three (23) health facilities, of which twelve (12) were functional. These functional facilities included four (4) primary health care units (PHCUs), six (6) primary health care centres (PHCCs), and two (2) hospitals. This means there were approximately 0.29 PHCUs per 15,000 people and 1.43 PHCCs per 50,000 people in the county at that time. Renk Hospital was reported to be moderately functional and Renk Military Hospital is reported to have limited functionality.

According to OCHA’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs Overview, there are an estimated 308,554 people in need in Renk County, which represents approximately 147% of the county’s total population reported by OCHA for 2025. For comparison, in 2024, OCHA reported that there were an estimated 42,504 people in need in Renk County, of whom 12,634 were non-displaced people, with the remainder comprising IDPs and returnees. According to OCHA’s Humanitarian Needs Overview for 2023, there were 149,822 people with humanitarian needs in the county (a sharp increase from 113,300 in 2021). This represented approximately 77% of the estimated population for Renk County reported in the HNO in that year. These figures predate the outbreak of conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan in April 2023, which resulted in large numbers of returnees (as well as a smaller number of Sudanese refugees) entering South Sudan via Joda/Jordah in Renk County. As of mid-July 2023, 131,538 people have crossed from Sudan via Renk (UNHCR/IOM 2023), with many South Sudanese returnees either staying in Renk town, transiting to Malakal town, or intending to transit to other locations within the county (OCHA 2023; REACH 2023a). The conflict in Sudan as well as the depreciating value of the South Sudan Pound and influx of large numbers of returnees has put severe strain on markets for essential commodities (including food) in Renk. Despite the host community enduring food price increases, a REACH report from June 2023 notes positive relations between returnees and hosts in Renk, with the host community attempting to provide shelter and resources to returnees (REACH 2023b).

Conflict Dynamics

There are historically close linkages between groups residing in Renk County and parts of northern Sudan, including the Seleim agro-pastoralist community, as well as Sudanese pastoralist communities (including from the Ahamda, Fulani, and Rufa’a groups) who migrate through the county. This is in part a consequence of Renk’s exemption from colonial era ‘Closed District Ordinances’, which sought to limit interactions between northern and southern Sudan, and resulted in closer commercial, cultural, and administrative ties between Renk and adjoining areas of Sudan than in most other border regions (Johnson 2010, p.69). In recent decades, cross-border migration has resulted in border communities having an established presence in both Upper Nile State and Sudan’s White Nile State (Craze 2013, p.150). Cattle migrations have also contributed to local taxation, while facilitating trade and commerce.

As a stronghold of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), Renk was not exposed to the direct effects of conflict in most other parts of Upper Nile, nor to the conflict in Sudan’s Blue Nile State. However, since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005, Renk became increasingly militarised as SAF and SPLA forces deployed along sensitive border areas. Following South Sudanese independence in 2011, Renk has been drawn closer into the orbit of Upper Nile State’s politics, and became an important theatre in the country’s national conflict (discussed further below).

Renk during the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005)

During the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005), Renk was a government controlled garrison town. Although Renk town and surrounding areas were described as being generally peaceful (Koop 2001, pp.26-28), the county was the subject of guerrilla operations by the SPLM/A during the 1980s (Baas 2012, p.61; Madut-Arop 2006, p.198). After the 1991 SPLM/A split, a number of anti-SPLM/A factions were based in the Renk and Melut County areas, who would go on to join the South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) paramilitary coalition after 1997 (PACT 2003; PACT Sudan 2006, p.104).

Renk was also a hub for displaced persons from across Upper Nile State, some of whom continued on to parts of northern Sudan, including White Nile State (Burr and Collins 1995, pp.53, 283). The level of integration of IDPs and the host community in Renk was reportedly stronger in Renk than most other government-held areas, though some communities lacked access to essential services (Koop 2001, pp.24, 27).

Although the direct effects of the conflict on Renk were relatively limited, the area experienced shortages of basic goods and services during the war, with some strains between local communities and authorities as well as war weariness being reported (Koop 2001, pp.24-25). Additionally, localised conflicts involving parts of Renk’s Abialang Dinka community and the Nyiel Dinka community of neighbouring Melut County affected the area, which were linked to factionalisation among SSDF groups operating in the region (PACT 2003). These were the subject of a 2003 peace and reconciliation conference that resulted in the establishment of the Padanbag peace council (PACT Sudan 2006, pp.104, 117). There have also been historical tensions between parts of the Seleim and Abialang Dinka communities relating to harvesting rights for gum arabic in Renk, which date back a number of decades (Craze 2013, p.150). Finally, instances of conflict between some communities in Renk and Sudanese pastoralists communities also occurred periodically (UNICEF et al. 2002, p.25).

Post-CPA and independence militarisation and border politics (2005-2013)

After the signing of the 2005 CPA, Renk became increasingly militarised, particularly around border areas. The SAF retained (and reportedly expanded) their presence in Renk in the years immediately following the CPA (ECON 2006, p.24; ICG 2006, p.9). Although the SPLA would ultimately consolidate control over Renk, lengthy delays in SAF withdrawals as well as the ongoing presence of SAF-aligned militias raised concerns about Renk becoming a flashpoint for conflict (Young 2007, p.33; Small Arms Survey 2008, p.4), while both sides of the border hosted substantial military contingents for the remainder of the CPA period. Although some government-aligned militia based in Renk joined the SPLM/A after the CPA, the area experienced intermittent militia activity during the CPA and post-independence eras, with increased militia recruitment also reported after the CPA was signed (ECOS 2006, pp.17, 25; Small Arms Survey 2013, p.7).

Following independence in 2011, South Sudanese authorities alleged that Sudanese security forces made incursions into Renk from Blue Nile State, reportedly leading to several clashes (Gramizzi 2013, p.64; Radio Tamazuj 2013a; Sudan Tribune 2012). During the time of independence, Renk also served as a key transit point for Southern Sudanese leaving parts of northern Sudan for the south.

Renk has been affected by a series of mounting internal and cross-border land disputes, which have occurred in a context of increasing pressures over obtaining land since the introduction of mechanised farming to the area in the late 1960s (Saeed 2010, p.16; Wani Gore 1987). Internally, allegations of ‘land grabbing’ by northern Sudanese merchants (Justice Africa 2003, p.4) and by individuals linked to the SAF or the Sudanese government bureaucracy (Concordis International 2010, p.93) were reported in the county prior to independence.

Meanwhile, the primary border dispute affecting the county concerns a small strip along the northernmost border with White Nile State, which is disputed between Renk County and Al Jabalain locality. The dispute relates to conflicting accounts of the location of the border, which also covers valuable farmland (Craze 2013, p.26; Johnson 2010, pp.71-72). The border area has experienced periodic militarisation during times of tension between Juba and Khartoum, which has at points contributed to deteriorating relations between communities in the border area (with some communities adopting more emphatic positions over disputed borders), and raised tensions over farmland (Craze 2013, pp.148, 151, 156-57). Periodic security incidents – including the killing of 11 Sudanese traders near Renk in 2013 – have also complicated attempts at resolving border disagreements (Radio Tamazuj 2013b; Craze 2014, p.25).

The area of Guli is also disputed between Renk County and Tadamon locality in Sudan’s Blue Nile State. This has been linked to clashes involving the SPLA, Fulani (‘Fellata’) pastoralists, and local communities, with fighting reported to have flared following the arrival of the National Border Committee in the area (Concordis International 2010, p.95). In addition to the disputed border areas with Sudan, there have been tensions between parts of the Abiliang Dinka community and the Shilluk/Chollo community from neighbouring Manyo County (Wassara 2013, p.103), with contested claims being made for a group of islands in the White Nile along the border between Manyo and Renk counties (UNDP 2012, pp.45-46).

Despite the overlapping border disputes and heightened military presence, local authorities and communities have largely been able to maintain successful cattle migrations. Although occasional reports of violence or harassment have been reported during annual migrations from Sudanese pastoralists, these have been at a more limited scale compared to some other areas along the Sudan-South Sudan border, and have been more effectively managed at the local level (Concordis International 2012; Craze 2013).

Renk in the national conflict (2013-2018)

Renk was affected in the early stages of the national conflict (2013-2018), with fighting in Upper Nile resulting in displacement to the county (for an account of the overall contours of the fighting in the state, please see the profile for Malakal County). After Malakal fell to the SPLA-IO in February 2014, Renk town became the temporary state capital, resulting in tensions with part of the Abialang Dinka community, who were reportedly concerned that the move would result in Renk becoming a focal point for opposition attacks (Small Arms Survey 2014a). Holding Renk was a priority for the SPLA partially because the oil pipeline from Paloich runs through the county. Irregular forces were also mobilised from Renk to secure the Paloich oil field (Small Arms Survey 2016, p.9).

The SPLA-IO gained control of Wadakona town in neighbouring Manyo County in 2014, enabling it to undertake operations against government forces in Renk town across late 2014, with some SPLA-IO operations in Renk also likely to have been conducted from Blue Nile (De Alessi 2014, pp.58-59). Across late 2014 and early 2015, fighting and shelling produced significant displacement in Renk town, with the conflict also affecting a number of other towns and villages in the county (Small Arms Survey 2014b; Small Arms Survey 2015; Craze 2019, p.39).

Although the government were able to re-consolidate control over Renk, the county was affected by further shelling by SPLA-IO Agwelek forces under the command of Johnson Olonyi in mid-2015 (Craze 2019, p.54). Olonyi’s defection was followed by allegations of harassment of Shilluk civilians and administrators in Renk town (Craze 2019, p.56). Further fighting between the SPLA and SPLA-IO Agwelek forces took place in mid-2017 (Craze 2019, p.82).

Renk after the signing of the R-ARCSS (2018-present)

Since the signing of the R-ARCSS in September 2018, Renk County has become more stable, and economic activities have resumed. However, in 2019 a number of cross-border incidents involving SAF and SSPDF personnel were reported (UNSC 2019, p.5), and a group of South Sudanese revenue officials were reportedly abducted near the Blue Nile State border in unclear circumstances (Eye Radio 2019). Tensions were also reported over the matter of employing local residents in humanitarian organisations in Renk, resulting in the evacuation of a number of humanitarian staff in 2020 (UNMISS 2020).

Following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, significant numbers of returnees as well as refugees have arrived in Renk via the border crossing at Joda/Jordah, with many experiencing violence while transiting through parts of Sudan (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2024, p.5). Since this time, several informal displacement sites have been established within Renk town, alongside a transit centre (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2023).

Although relations between returnees and the host community have been generally positive (with the latter providing support to the former), there have been limited reports of conflict among returnees, including an incident in May 2023 that killed one person (Radio Tamazuj 2023). Several incidents have also occurred between returnees and the host community and humanitarian workers, while insecurity has also been reported within some displacement sites (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2023, pp.5, 9). Although some reports indicate that tensions between some returnees and refugees have occurred (Nonviolent Peaceforce 2024, p.6), others have noted that positive dynamics of social cohesion and solidarity have been developing among residents of Renk alongside returnees and refugees (REACH 2024). In this way, Renk continues traditions dating back to the second civil war, in which – despite strained circumstances –displaced communities have experienced relatively close integration with host communities in the area.

Geography & Logistics 

Payams listed in Government and UN documents: Chemmedi/Shumadi, Geger, Jalhak, North Renk, South Renk

Payams listed by local actors: Renk (County HQ), Jalhak, Geiger, Muolbuok, Gosfami, Gongbaar (Kosovo), and Omdholwuth

UN OCHA 2020 map of Renk County: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/ss_7101_un_renk_county_map_a3_20200317.pdf

Roads:

• A primary road runs along the eastern bank of the River Nile, connecting Renk to Paloich in Melut County (and on to the state capital of Malakal). During the 2024 rainy season and 2025 dry season, the road was deemed passable down to Paloich, though was designated impassable to Malakal..

• A primary road runs north to the Sudanese border. Seasonal road conditions are unknown.

• Secondary roads travel along an east-west axis into Sudan’s Blue Nile State. Seasonal road conditions are unknown.

• Renk is the final delivery point for shipments travelling along the White Nile from Malakal. Renk also serves towns downstream along the Nile in Sudan.

UNHAS-Recognized Heli-Landing Sites and Airstrips: Renk

The logistic cluster serves Renk Port and coordinates humanitarian barge and boat traffic. As of 2025, the logistics cluster is operating river transportation at 50%, owing to funding constraints.

References

Baas,S. (2012). From Civilians to Soldiers and from Soldiers to Civilians: Mobilization and Demobilization in Sudan. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press.

Burr, J.M. and Collins, R.O. (1995). Requiem For The Sudan: War, Drought, And Disaster Relief On The Nile. Boulder, CO.: Westview Press.

Concordis International. (2010). More than a Line: Sudan’s North-South Border. Retrieved 6 October 2023.

Concordis International. (2012). Crossing The Line: Transhumance In Transition Along the Sudan- South Sudan Border October 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2023.

Craze, J. (2013). Dividing lines: Grazing and conflict along the Sudan– South Sudan border. Retrieved 6 February 2024.

Craze, J. (2014). Contested Borders: Continuing Tensions over the Sudan–South Sudan Border. Small Arms Survey. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

De Alessi, B. (2015). Two Fronts, One War: Evolution of the Two Areas Conflict, 2014–15. Small Arms Survey. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

ECOS. (2006). Oil Development in Northern Upper Nile. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.

Eye Radio. (2019). 18 S Sudanese officials kidnapped by armed men near Renk. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

FAO/WFP. (2019). Special Report: FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

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

Gramizzi, C. (2013). At an Impasse: The Conflict in Blue Nile. Small Arms Survey. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

ICG, International Crisis Group. (2006). Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement: The Long Road Ahead. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Johnson, D.H. (2010). When Boundaries Become Borders: The impact of boundary-making in Southern Sudan’s frontier zones. Rift Valley Institute.

Justice Africa. (2003). Prospects For Peace In Sudan: Briefing. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.

Koop, M. (2001). Grass Roots Regional Assessments – Government Controlled Areas of Sudan. IGAD. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.

Madut-Arop, A. (2006). Sudan’s Painful Road to Peace: A Full Story of the Founding and Development of SPLM/SPLA. Booksurge Publishing.

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

OCHA. (2023). South Sudan: South Sudanese returnees intended destinations as expressed when they cross into South Sudan (as of 8 June 2023). Retrieved 17 July 2023.

PACT. (2003). Renk County Conference, 28 October 2003. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2013a). Troops moving to Blue Nile-Renk border. Retrieved 2 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2013b). Unknown gunmen kill 11 Sudanese traders in Upper Nile. Retrieved 2 March 2024.

Radio Tamazuj. (2021a). Traders still see no end to illegal checkpoints in Upper Nile. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Radio Tamazuj. (2021b). South Sudan, Sudan border opening stalled. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Radio Tamazuj. (2023). Returnee killed, 30 injured in brawl in Renk. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

REACH. (2019). Renk County Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

REACH. (2023a). Emergency Situation Overview: Sudan-South Sudan Cross Border Displacement June 2023 (Malakal County). Retrieved 17 July 2023.

REACH. (2023b). Emergency Situation Overview: Sudan-South Sudan Cross Border Displacement June 2023 (Renk County). Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Saeed, A. (2010). Challenges Facing Sudan after Referendum Day 2011 Persistent and Emerging Conflict in the North-South Borderline States. CMI. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Small Arms Survey. (2008). Allies and defectors: An update on armed group integration and proxy force activity. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Small Arms Survey. (2013). Pendulum swings: The rise and fall of insurgent militias in South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023

Small Arms Survey. (2014a). The Conflict in Upper Nile State (18 March 2014 update). Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Small Arms Survey. (2014b). The Conflict in Upper Nile State: Describes events through 9 October 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Small Arms Survey. (2015). The Conflict in Upper Nile State: Describes events through 9 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Small Arms Survey. (2016). The Conflict in Upper Nile State: Describing events through 8 March 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Sudan Tribune. (2012). S. Sudan Governor: warmongering Sudan attacked Upper Nile agricultural project. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

UNDP. (2012). Community Consultation Report: Upper Nile State, South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

UNICF, UNDP and Ministry of Higher Education (Sudan). (2002). Conflict Survey and Mapping Analysis. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.

UNHCR/IOM. (2023). Population movement from Sudan to South Sudan. Interactive dashboard last accessed 17 July 2023.

UNMISS. (2020). UNMISS peacekeepers evacuate humanitarian workers under threat in Renk. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

UNSC. (2019). Situation in South Sudan: Report of the Secretary-General, S/2019/491. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Wassara, S. (2013). Interests of border communities in water and pastures: will they influence Nile water policies of the two Sudans? UNISCI Discussion Paper No. 33. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Young, J. (2007). Emerging North–South Tensions and Prospects for a Return to War. Small Arms Survey. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Reports on Renk

Ahemd, A.E., Roghim, S. and Saleh, A. (2014). Pathways out of poverty in South Sudan, the case of Renk County. Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences. 2(9) p.135-140. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Craze, J. (2019). Displaced and Immiserated: The Shilluk of Upper Nile in South Sudan’s Civil War, 2014-19. Small Arms Survey/HSBA. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Deng, D.K. (2013). Challenges of Accountability: An Assessment of Dispute Resolution Processes in Rural South Sudan. South Sudan Law Society/PACT. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Elmusharaf, K., Byrne, E. & O’Donovan, D. (2017). Social and traditional practices and their implications for family planning: a participatory ethnographic study in Renk, South Sudan. Reproductive Health 14(10). Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Nonviolent Peaceforce. (2023). Seeking Harmony in Hardship: A Conflict Sensitivity Report on Renk, South Sudan. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

Nonviolent Peaceforce. (2024). Sustaining Support: Renk, South Sudan. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

REACH. (2024). Sudan Crisis: Social Cohesion Among Refugees, Returnees and Host Community in Renk Town, December 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2024.

Siddig, K., et al. (2013). The Prevalence of Poverty and Inequality in South Sudan: The Case Study of Renk County. Retrieved 17 July 2023.

Wani Gore, P. (1987). ‘Poverty Versus Affluence: The Fiasco of Rainfed Mechanized Agriculture in Renk District: Southern Sudan’ in Salih, M.A.M. (ed.) Agrarian Change in the Central Rainlands: Sudan: A Socio-Economic Analysis, Scandinavian Institute of African Studies, Uppsala, pp.91-108. Retrieved 1 March 2024.

* 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.