The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in South Sudan has warned that the conflict in Akobo County, Jonglei State, which began in December 2025 and continues to intensify, has caused massive displacement. This situation has severely driven up humanitarian needs and is pushing local communities closer to the most dangerous level of malnutrition, IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).
An estimated 200,000 people have currently been displaced by the conflict, with at least 100,000 civilians fleeing across the border into neighboring Ethiopia. The Akobo area had previously served as a shelter for over 270,000 displaced persons, most of whom are women and children. However, recent heavy fighting and a forced evacuation directive issued by armed forces on March 6, 2026, have left the town nearly empty. This has completely paralyzed the humanitarian presence and access to basic services in the area.
Most alarmingly, thousands of people in Jonglei State have entirely lost access to healthcare. The only functioning hospital in the Akobo area was looted and abandoned by armed groups, forcing a total shutdown of medical services. The compounding factors of escalating daily conflict, restricted humanitarian access, and seasonal flooding threaten to push this vulnerable population directly into famine conditions (IPC Phase 5).
Richard Orengo, IRC South Sudan Country Director, stated regarding the situation: “The conflict in Akobo is compounding already desperate conditions. With children and families deprived of food, water, and medical care, we face a looming humanitarian catastrophe. We urgently call on all parties to the conflict to halt military operations, grant unimpeded humanitarian access, and fully implement the revitalized peace agreement, which is essential to protect civilians. Security and access constraints are worsened by the looming exit of UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) support systems and forces.”
The IRC is calling for an immediate scale-up and access to food, water, shelter, health, and protection services across Jonglei and neighboring regions. The organization is also urging the warring parties to prioritize the unconditional safety of civilians, humanitarian staff, and vital infrastructure like hospitals.
They are calling for the restoration of peace and security to support voluntary, safe, and dignified returns before the upcoming rainy season further exacerbates the risks. Additionally, the IRC urges the UN to retain UNMISS support systems, which remain critical for protecting displaced communities, humanitarian aid, personnel, and assets.
The International Rescue Committee has responded to humanitarian crises across South Sudan for over three decades, delivering healthcare, protection, and economic empowerment. Today, the organization continues to work through local partners in Jonglei and beyond to provide emergency medical services, protection, and livelihood assistance to displaced communities.
