International charity withdraws from Akobo as violence escalates

BOR – The escalating violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has forced international charity Save the Children to suspend operations in Akobo County, leaving thousands of vulnerable families, especially children, without lifesaving support.

The aid organisation said it was forced this week to halt all humanitarian activities and relocate more than 45 staff members from Akobo East following a sharp deterioration in security.

Akobo East had been serving as a refuge for civilians fleeing violence from across Jonglei, but continued clashes and growing insecurity have made it impossible for humanitarian workers to operate safely.

The withdrawal follows an order issued by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces on 6 March directing civilians, non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, and peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to vacate Akobo County ahead of planned military operations.

Before suspending operations, Save the Children was delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, and water and sanitation services to nearly 100,000 children in Akobo town.

“The absence of humanitarian workers in Akobo will have serious implications on the population who rely on humanitarian support,” said Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan.

“The disruption of aid operations risks further exacerbating an already severe humanitarian situation in Jonglei State,” Nyamandi said.

Humanitarian conditions have worsened as families fleeing violence continue to move from one location to another in search of safety.

“Reports from the field show that many families are already living in extremely difficult conditions while on transit, with limited access to food, safe drinking water, healthcare, and protection services,” Nyamandi added.

He warned that children are among the most affected by the disruption of aid programs.

“Disruptions to nutrition programs, health services, child protection services and community support mechanisms place children at heightened risk of malnutrition, disease, and other protection concerns,” he said.

The suspension of operations in Akobo comes shortly after another setback for humanitarian operations in Jonglei. Last month, Save the Children also halted activities in Walgak town after armed groups looted and burned down its office, destroyed a healthcare facility, and stole four organizational vehicles.

The violence has triggered massive displacement across the state. According to humanitarian estimates, more than 280,000 people have been displaced in Jonglei since December, with women and children accounting for more than half of those affected.

Across South Sudan, conflict has intensified in recent months, particularly in Jonglei State—one of the country’s largest and most food-insecure regions.

Nyamandi warned that any prolonged disruption of humanitarian operations could have devastating consequences for already struggling communities.

“Any prolonged disruption to humanitarian presence and operations in Akobo risks deepening an already fragile humanitarian situation and placing additional strain on communities that are already struggling to cope,” he said.

He also stressed the need to prioritise civilian protection amid the ongoing fighting.

“The protection and safety of civilians must always remain a priority, particularly in areas experiencing escalating conflict,” Nyamandi said.

Save the Children called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian organisations.

The organisation emphasised that humanitarian agencies operate as neutral and impartial actors whose sole aim is to provide lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities.

Save the Children has been working in South Sudan since 1991, supporting children and families with access to education, healthcare, nutrition services, and livelihoods assistance.

On Wednesday, the South Sudan government urged the humanitarian organisations that withdrew from Akobo County to return after recapturing the area.