In South Sudan, years of conflict have displaced millions, leading them to seek refuge in United Nations camps. A humanitarian group is focusing on bringing joy through laughter to those affected by the crisis, as reported by Grant McDonald.

Displaced residents in UN-protected camps in Juba say they remain afraid to return home despite South Sudanese leaders' renewed calls for reconciliation and assurances of security. More than four million people have been displaced by the civil war, and return efforts are complicated by continuing violence, weak support for rebuilding, economic losses, communal conflict, drought and flooding. The 2018 peace deal and transitional unity government have produced limited progress; fighting and delays in integrating a unified army persist. As UN peacekeepers withdraw from camps and management shifts to the government, residents say they feel safer in the camps and need security and practical assistance before returning.

Displaced people in South Sudan, like Elizabeth Thonyuak and Margaret Nyakhor, remain hesitant to leave United Nations' protected camps despite calls for reconciliation and assurances of safety from President Salva Kiir. The civil war, which began in 2013 as a power struggle within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, has left over 4 million people displaced. Efforts for a national truth and reconciliation process are underway, but challenges such as communal conflict, drought, and flooding complicate repatriation. The International Organization for Migration supports voluntary repatriation, but progress is slow. The unity government aims to integrate a national army by February 2023, but infighting persists. The UN has transferred camp management to the South Sudanese government, sparking resistance from camp residents who feel security measures are inadequate.

In South Sudan's capital, Juba, people left shelters after a ceasefire halted days of intense fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict raised concerns over the stability of the nation and the control leaders have over their forces. Both Kiir and Machar called for calm, and Machar expressed readiness for talks, though details were scarce. Civilians sought refuge at U.N. bases, churches, and schools, with humanitarian needs expected to rise. The African Union threatened sanctions for ceasefire violations, while the EU and US had already sanctioned military leaders. The civil war, which began in December 2013, has had severe impacts, including a drop in oil production and widespread displacement. The peace deal signed in August 2015 has seen slow progress, and the recent violence was reportedly triggered by the shooting of one of Machar's officers. The US condemned the violence and promised accountability for those obstructing peace.

In South Sudan's capital, Juba, a ceasefire has brought temporary calm after days of intense fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The violence, which involved heavy weaponry, has raised concerns about the stability of a nearly one-year-old peace deal. Civilians, who had sought refuge in makeshift shelters, U.N. bases, churches, and schools, are now cautiously emerging. Humanitarian needs are expected to be significant, with calls for food, shelter, and water. The United Nations and African Union have urged protection for displaced individuals and warned of sanctions for ceasefire violations. The European Union and United States have previously imposed sanctions on military leaders from both sides. The peace deal, signed in August 2015, remains fragile, with ongoing challenges in integrating rival forces and maintaining trust between Kiir and Machar.

A ceasefire in South Sudan's capital, Juba, has temporarily halted intense fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The conflict, which has destabilized the nation, raised fears of a collapse of a peace deal meant to end a two-year civil war. The UN and other international bodies have called for the protection of civilians and the free movement of humanitarian aid. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to peace, but the situation remains fragile with ongoing concerns about the implementation of the peace agreement and the potential for further violence.

In South Sudan's capital, Juba, a ceasefire has temporarily halted heavy fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The violence, which involved anti-aircraft guns, attack helicopters, and tanks, has raised concerns about the stability of a nearly one-year-old peace deal intended to end a two-year civil war. Civilians have sought refuge in U.N. bases, churches, and schools, with humanitarian needs expected to be significant. Both leaders deny responsibility for the violence and have called for calm. The United Nations, African Union, and other international bodies are urging protection for displaced individuals and the continuation of humanitarian aid. The U.S. has condemned the violence and warned of accountability for those committing atrocities.

In South Sudan's capital, Juba, people emerged from shelters following a ceasefire that ended days of heavy fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The violence, which involved anti-aircraft guns, attack helicopters, and tanks, raised fears of a collapse of a nearly one-year-old peace deal. Both leaders denied responsibility and called for calm, with Machar's side indicating readiness for talks. The conflict has displaced thousands, with many seeking refuge in U.N. bases, churches, and schools. Humanitarian needs, including food, shelter, and water, are pressing. The civil war, which began in December 2013, has killed thousands and displaced over 2.5 million people, severely impacting the nation's oil production and food security. The United States condemned the violence and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable.

In South Sudan's capital, Juba, a ceasefire has brought temporary relief after days of intense fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict, which involved heavy weaponry, has raised concerns about the stability of the nation and the potential collapse of a nearly one-year-old peace deal. Civilians have sought refuge in U.N. bases, churches, and schools, with urgent humanitarian needs for food, shelter, and water. Both leaders have called for calm, but the situation remains fragile with ongoing efforts to shore up the ceasefire. The international community, including the U.N. Security Council, has condemned the violence and called for accountability.

In South Sudan's capital, people emerged from makeshift shelters following a ceasefire that ended days of intense fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict, involving anti-aircraft guns, attack helicopters, and tanks, occurred nearly five years after South Sudan's independence from Sudan.