Briefing Paper

Impact of COVID-19 on Trade, Peace and Health System in South Sudan

South Sudan is emerging from devastating conflict that has left thousands dead and millions displaced. The 2018 peace agreement implementation remains elusive as instability persist in some parts of the country. The onset of COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis as government response limited economic activities and increased pressure on the ailing health system. This research explores the impact of the pandemic on the trade sector, underfunded and fragile health system, and fluid peace process in South Sudan. The research overall objective was to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and government response mechanisms on trade, health systems, and peace process in South Sudan. The research was commissioned by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) as part of the regional analysis into impact of COVID-19 pandemic on socioeconomic and public health in the region.