Melut County, Upper Nile State
Demographics
2008 NBS Census population: 49,242
2021 NBS PES population estimate*: 65,141
2022 UN OCHA population estimate*: 130,105
2024 UN OCHA population estimate*: 65,142
2024 IPC population estimate: 134,008
2025 UN OCHA population estimate*: 134,054
Ethnic groups: Ageer/Geer Dinka; Nyiel Dinka
Displacement Figures as of September 2024: 30,759 IDPs (-13,629 Sept. 2023) and 248 returnees (-2,507 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
Melut County is located in the centre of Upper Nile State. The White Nile flows alongside Melut’s western border with Manyo County. Melut County borders Renk County to the north, Maban County to the east, Baliet County to the south and Fashoda County to the west.
The county is classified in the Northern sorghum and livestock livelihood zone. (FEWSNET 2018). Historically, pastoralism and agro-pastoralism are the pillars of livelihood in the county. The county’s main economic activities include fishing, agriculture, charcoal making, gum production, and raising livestock and the main crops grown are millet and sorghum. People keep cattle and move them seasonally, according to the availability of pastures and water.
The FAO estimates that approximately 40% of households were engaged in farming in Melut County in 2019 (FAO/WFP 2019). More recent figures from the FAO/WFP indicate the figure increased to 50% of households in the county being engaged in farming, with a gross cereal yield of 0.75 tonnes per hectare in 2021 (FAO/WFP 2022), increasing to 0.8 tonnes per hectare in 2022 (FAO/WFP 2023). It is one of the few counties in the country where rain-fed, mechanized cereal (or sorghum) production has been practiced on a large scale, although fighting and instability since 2013 have severely curtailed these operations. Many farmers have switched from growing sorghum to sesame (simsim), as they can sell it for a higher price to Sudanese traders. Land available for cultivation has been reduced over time due to a build-up of infrastructure related to the oil fields as well as pollution. Crop yields have also been negatively impacted by decreasing rainfall patterns and longer dry periods in the area.
IPC projections for Melut are at Crisis levels (IPC Phase 3) of food insecurity as of November 2024, and are projected to remain at Crisis levels until at least July 2025. As of November 2022, over 25% of households in Melut County were predicted to meet between 25% and 50% of their caloric needs from humanitarian food assistance, though projections for December 2022 to July 2023 indicate that fewer than 25% will require humanitarian assistance during this time period.
Prior to independence, the main market for surplus grains grown through mechanized cereal production was Sudan; however, fighting in the border areas of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile saw a reorientation in Upper Nile State towards Juba and southern markets. The main local market towns for the sale and trade of goods within the county include Melut town and Paloich. Following the closure of the border with Sudan, the supply of goods in Melut and Paloich markets reduced, leading to the strengthening of existing trade routes, including from Melut to Magenis of Manyo County on the Sudanese border, and from Juba to Malakal and Paloich.
Infrastructure & Services
The county HQ is Melut town. A road connecting Malakal-Paloich-Guelguk-Longochuk and Maiwut was under construction in 2019. The presence of the Paloich oil field supported the local economy by drawing businesses and trade to the area and also led to the establishment of schools and healthcare facilities through corporate responsibility initiatives. Melut is also better served by road infrastructure than many of its neighbours due to road construction related to the oil industry. The road network is focused on the central and western parts of the county while the northern and eastern areas have few roads of note.
Oil extraction has also had negative impacts – water sources and land used for habitation and cultivation are believed to have been polluted, with unsafe levels of mercury and manganese having been detected. While no studies have established causation to date, communities in the area have reported an increase in infants both with birth defects as well as fertility issues among women (PAX 2014). Recent research identified linkages between livestock grazing around the oilfields passing highly toxic pollutants to residents through the food chain and community drinking water as a likely source of human exposure to toxic contaminants (Tiitammer and Kut 2021).
Melut County is home to eight (8) Early Childhood Development centres, forty-seven (47) primary schools, and fourteen (14) secondary schools, including six in Melut Payam and Adar Secondary located in Galdora Payam.
In December 2024, the WHO reported that Melut County had thirteen (13) health facilities, of which nine (9) were functional. These functional facilities included five (5) primary health care units (PHCUs), three (3) primary health care centres (PHCCs), and one (1) hospital. This means there were approximately 0.56 PHCUs per 15,000 people and 1.12 PHCCs per 50,000 people in the county at that time. Melut County Hospital is reported to be highly functional.
According to OCHA’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs Overview, there are an estimated 76,564 people in need in Melut County, which represents approximately 57% of the county’s total population reported by OCHA for 2025. For comparison, in 2024, OCHA reported that there were an estimated 52,301 people in need in Melut County, of whom 11,179 were non-displaced people, with the remainder comprising IDPs and returnees. According to OCHA’s Humanitarian Needs Overview for 2023, there were 118,369 people in the county with humanitarian needs (a significant increase from 92,700 in 2021). This represented nearly 91% of the estimated population of the county reported in the HNO in that year. Residents of Melut County have experienced multiple displacement throughout the conflict, and have also hosted IDPs fleeing from Malakal, Baliet and other areas.
While not as affected by flooding as many of the neighbouring counties, some Melut residents felt the effects of flooding in 2021. Melut’s Dentima IDP camp was one area particularly affected with nearly 3,000 residents displaced in August after shelters were flooded and destroyed. The oil fields were also significantly affected with reports of 200 oil wells inundated with flood water. In addition to damaging the wells and temporarily putting them out of service, the flooded wells are a source of pollution in the area and contaminate sources of drinking water.
Conflict Dynamics
Melut was a Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) garrison town during much of the second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005), with the area experiencing significant displacement during the early years of the conflict (Cordaid 2014, p.13). A number of local pro-government militias – alongside the paramilitary Popular Defence Forces – and SPLM/A splinter factions aligned to the Khartoum government were also active in the area (BICC 2013, p.46, p.56; Daly and Rolandsen 2016). As is discussed further in the profile for Baliet County, internal disputes among the Padang Dinka increased in the wake of the 1991 SPLM/A split, leading to some Dinka militias becoming linked to Khartoum. Parts of the Nyiel Dinka community were also displaced to predominantly Shilluk/Chollo areas as a result of intra-Dinka clashes (PACT Sudan 2006, p.117).
The presence of oil has been a primary driver of conflict and violence affecting Melut and some adjoining areas, and has been associated with complex militia dynamics. In the early 1990s, government forces were alleged to have forcibly depopulated areas in the border region between present-day Melut and Maban counties, with efforts to remove the local population intensifying after drilling for oil began in 1994 (ECOS 2006, pp.12-16). Government as well as government-aligned militia forces were implicated in subsequent forcible displacement in parts of the county during the remainder of the 1990s and early 2000s, as the construction of oil infrastructure gathered pace. The SPLM/A attacked Paloich town (though not Paloich oil field) in 2001; however, fighting in Melut largely halted following the 2002 ceasefire under the Machakos Protocol of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
During the CPA era, the SAF remained in the county until 2011 as part of the Joint Integrated Units (JIU) established under the CPA. Insecurity and violence were reported at either end of the CPA period: in early 2005, a number of villages in Melut were attacked by pro-government militias, who also engaged in clashes with SPLA forces in the area (ECOS 2006, p.17). The violence generated further displacement, and additional militia recruitment and military deployments were reported in the county. In February 2011, fighting within the JIU in Melut broke out after the results of the referendum on South Sudanese independence were announced, resulting in at least 15 soldiers being killed (Verjee 2011, p.10).
Historically, conflict drivers in Melut County include disputes over control of land and resources (including oil revenues), alongside tensions relating to water, pollution, damaged infrastructure, and compensation for displacement linked to oil extraction at Paloich (BICC 2013; UNDP 2012). Since 2005, Dinka and Shilluk communities have contested areas throughout Upper Nile, including parts of Melut, frequently with reference to distant historical claims (Craze 2019). Additionally, the boundary between Melut and Maban is heavily contested, with claims of ancestral ownership of the area (which borders the Adar oil field) creates regular outbreaks of insecurity between the Mabanese and Dinka communities, as is discussed below. Tensions have also arisen between parts of the Ageer/Geer Dinka of Melut and the disputed Akoka county and neighbouring Nuer and Mabanese communities. Additionally, Fulani (a.k.a. ’Fallata’) pastoralists from Sudan have migrated into South Sudan during the dry season, and enjoyed generally positive relations with the local community, with dispute resolution mechanisms being employed to mitigate conflict. However, relations became strained during tensions surrounding South Sudanese independence, with an externally-mediated migration conference organised to enhance peaceful cooperation (Concordis International 2012).
Melut’s oil fields and central position within Upper Nile State made it a strategic location during the recent South Sudanese civil war (2013-2018). At the start of the national conflict, the government risked losing control of the critical Paloich oil field following mass defections to the SPLA-IO from Nuer soldiers stationed in the area, and a series of SPLA-IO assaults on the field. The government reinforced Upper Nile with forces from elsewhere in South Sudan. This included the Oil Defence Force (largely comprising Abialang Dinka of Renk County, and other Dinka clans from neighbouring counties) to consolidate control of Paloich (Small Arms Survey 2014), as well as Shilluk militias in the area.
Melut County saw intense fighting in May 2015, following the defection of Agwelek forces to the opposition amid escalating tensions in around Malakal (Small Arms Survey 2016; Craze 2019). Agwelek forces took control of Malakal and Melut towns, and began marching towards Paloich, prompting a government counter-offensive to retake Melut town. During fighting in and around Melut town, more than 49 000 people were displaced – amid widespread looting and destruction of property – with at least 8 civilians sheltering in the Protection of Civilians site being killed in the crossfire (Al Jazeera 2015). Agwekek forces were defeated at Melut and forced to retreat, losing at least one barge (which were used to transport personnel and equipment) in the fighting, curtailing the ability of the Agwelek faction to project power. Clashes resumed sporadically in April 2016 and February 2017, while Agwelek forces were alleged by authorities to have attacked civilians north of Melut in the autumn of 2016 (Radio Tamazuj 2016). Paloich would remain the primary oil producing site in Upper Nile State for the duration of the conflict, with control being retained by the government throughout.
Clashes have continued between parts of Melut’s Ageer Dinka community against parts of the Mabanese community over disputed land at Kilo 10/Kilo Ashara. With the implicit backing of the SPLA/SSPDF forces, the Dinka of Melut started to settle in both areas despite longstanding claims by the Mabanese community. In August 2017, six members of the Mabanese community were killed in an attack in Paloich Payam by forces suspected of being from the local area (Radio Tamazuj 2017). Meanwhile, violence escalated in the disputed Kilo Ashara area in late 2022 and early 2023 (The City Review 2022; Radio Tamazuj 2023). Following calls made by a government committee in late 2022 to demilitarise the area, in early 2024 the Upper Nile government announced that it would be administering part of the disputed area with the assistance of the SSPDF (Eye Radio 2024).
In January 2021, alleged Nuer cattle raiders were reported to have attacked the predominantly Dinka village of Bai Ajak, resulting in reported retaliatory attacks (IRNA 2021; Radio Tamazuj 2021). Subsequent violence believed to involve elements of the Dinka and Nuer communities was reported in April 2023 in Galdora Payam in southern Melut County. Low-level insecurity has been reported in and around Melut and Paloich towns, whilst periodic demonstrations have occurred, including protests relating to environmental damage linked to the oil sector (Eye Radio 2021).
Following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, an informal transit site for returnees was established next to the Paloich airport and oil field. The returnees are predominantly Dinka, and have been seeking transit to Greater Bahr el-Ghazal. In October 2023 it was reported that 5,000 returnees had become stranded at the informal transit site, with a checkpoint established on the road between Renk and Paloich to prevent further returnees arriving in Paloich. Additionally, Nonviolent Peaceforce (2023, p.7) reported tensions both between the returnees and host communities, and among the returnees. This included a protest by some returnees seeking to block a flight from departing, amid allegations of perceived preferential treatment for relocating returnees from certain communities.
Geography & Logistics
Payams: Melut (County HQ), Bimachuk, Galdora, Paloich, Panhomdit, Wunamum
UN OCHA 2020 map of Melut County: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/ru/operations/south-sudan/infographic/south-sudan-melut-county-reference-map
Roads:
- Five primary roads intersect at Paloich. These connections include, first, a road between Paloich and Melut town to the west, which was deemed passable in the rainy season of 2024 and the dry season of 2025; second, Melut town to Renk to the north, which was deemed passable in the rainy season of 2024 and the dry season of 2025; third Paloich to Pagak (Maiwut County) on the Ethiopian border to the south-east, which was which was deemed passable between Paloich and Adar and impassable between Adar and Pagak in both the rainy season of 2024 and the dry season of 2025; and, fourth, from Paloich east to Bunj/Maban and into Ethiopia, which was deemed passable between Paloich and Jemaam but “passable with difficulties” between Jemaam and Bunj/Maban in the rainy season of 2024 (but passable between Paloich and Bunj/Maban in the dry season of 2025);; and finally, south-west to Malakal town. The road between Paloich and Malakal town was deemed impassable during the rainy season of 2024 and the dry season of 2025.
- The River Nile route between Malakal and Renk passes through the county, with Melut town listed as a destination.
UNHAS-Recognized Heli-Landing-Sites and Airstrips: Paloich
The logistic cluster serves the Melut 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
Al Jazeera. (2015). Battle for Melut, humanitarian sanctuary in South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Cordaid. (2014). Oil Production in South Sudan: Making it a Benefit for All. Retrieved 1 December 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.
Daly, M. and Rolandsen, O. (2016). A History of South Sudan: From Slavery to Independence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
ECOS. (2006). Oil Development in Northern Upper Nile. Retrieved via Sudan Open Archive 1 March 2024.
Eye Radio. (2021). Why Melut protesters have occupied commissioner’s office. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Eye Radio. (2024). Upper Nile govt to take control of disputed Kilo-Achera area. Retrieved 6 January 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.
IRNA (various contributors). (2021). IRNA Report: [Melut IDP camps (Dinghtoma-1,2, Malek and Khoradar, Melut county, Upper Nile State] [12-13 January 2021]. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Nonviolent Peaceforce. (2023). Stuck in Transit: Malakal and Paloch, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
OCHA. (2021). Humanitarian Needs Overview: South Sudan 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
PACT Sudan. (2006). Sudan Peace Fund (SPF): Final Report October 2022 – December 2005. USAID.
PAX. (2014). Scrutiny of South Sudan’s Oil Industry: Community Relations, Labour Practices and Impact on Land Use Patterns. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Radio Tamazuj. (2016). Four civilians killed in attack near Melut town. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Radio Tamazuj. (2017). 6 killed, 4 injured in attack in Paloich, Northern Upper Nile. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Radio Tamazuj. (2021). 7 people killed in Paloch, Upper Nile State. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Radio Tamazuj. (2023). At least 4 killed by gunmen in Upper Nile State. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Small Arms Survey. (2014). The Conflict in Upper Nile State: Describes events through 9 October 2014. HSBA. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
Small Arms Survey. (2016). The Conflict in Upper Nile State: Describing events through 8 March 2016. HSBA. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
The City Review. (2022). Maban chief appeals for dialogue to stop inter-community clashes. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Tiitmamer, N., & Kut, K. M. K. (2021). Sitting on a Time Bomb: Oil Pollution Impacts on Human Health in Melut County, South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
UNDP. (2012). Community Consultation Report: Upper Nile State, South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Verjee, A. (2011). Sudan’s Aspirational Army: A History of the Joint Integrated Units. CIGI SSR Issue Papers. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
Reports on Melut
BICC. (2013). Oil Investment and Conflict in Upper Nile State, South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Concordis International. (2012). Melut County Migration Conference held on 19 to 21 June 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
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.
Liol, C. & Ramadan, Z. (2017). Genderizing War: The Impact of the Civil War on the Women of Upper Nile State in South Sudan. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
REACH. (2020). Situation Overview: Upper Nile State, South Sudan January—March 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Short, A. (2015). Cattle and Pastoralism in Greater Upper Nile Research Report.
Small Arms Survey. (2011). Fighting for spoils: Armed insurgencies in Greater Upper Nile. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
SWG/ICWG. (2019). Report on Facilitated Returns from Melut to Baliet, Upper Nile Region. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
* 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.
