This article seeks to unravel the intricate relationship of ethnic politics, displacement and security dilemmas in South Sudan from 2013 by looking at how the central government has negotiated them. The study fills a gap in research on the role that central government authorities play with respect to access to resources, service delivery and security for displaced populations, particularly in the specific political context of South Sudan. Drawing from Ethnic Identity Theory, Conflict Theory, Security Dilemma Theory, Human Security Theory, and Postcolonial Theory, the project investigates how historical memories and state institutions condition displacement outcomes and security perceptions among heterogeneous ethnic communities. A mixed-methods, pragmatic method was adopted, through combined descriptive and explanatory research designs. Methods of data collection Data were collected from security commanders, diplomatic communities, international agencies and Protection of Civilians through structured questionnaires. Finally, government officials and university students were also interviewed and engaged in focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data was analysed thematically. Significant trends suggest statistical correlation between the positional role of central government and displacement and its dilemmas (R Square = 0.490, p < 0.001), indicating that there seems about 49% variance in displacement output is explained by the forced movements due to state actions. But the fact that a significant share of Mexicans blame the government for security dilemmas is a call for policy reevaluation. Political centrality-based problems such as corruption, resource imbalance, little local freedom and bureaucratic inefficiency aggravate the problem of displacement and security. In light of these findings, the research suggests a cohesive national policy framework that would bring together displacement and security issues and strengthen (vertical) government coordination between central and periphery. The findings emphasize the hotspot of strengthening local government capacity-building, providing adequate decentralized power and resources. Accountability- and transparency-building measures, as well as addressing the causes of displacement by promoting inclusive governance and fair allocation of resources are important. Additional research is needed on long-term effects of displacement, across intervention comparisons and by including the perspective of displaced people themselves. This is an—orignal contribution—originality to have been empirical on the mediation of displacement and security by central governments in post-independence South Sudan to evidence-based policy recommendations recommend (s) promoting stability, reconciliation, and enhanced security for all communities.