Save the Children suspends operations in Jonglei as violence escalates

2026-03-13 - 08:17

Save the Children says escalating violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has forced it to suspend more humanitarian operations, leaving thousands of families without essential aid. The organisation says it withdrew staff and halted all operations in Akobo East this week following a sharp rise in insecurity in the area, which has been hosting people fleeing violence across Jonglei. According to Save the Children, South Sudan’s military issued an order on 6 March directing civilians, aid agencies and United Nations personnel to vacate Akobo County because of the ongoing conflict. At the time of the withdrawal, the agency says it was providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and water and sanitation services to about 100,000 children in Akobo town. More than 45 staff members have since been relocated. The suspension of operations follows an earlier withdrawal last month from Walgak town after armed groups looted and burned a Save the Children office, destroyed a healthcare centre and stole four vehicles belonging to the organisation. Save the Children says violence in Jonglei State has displaced more than 280,000 people since December, with women and children making up more than half of those forced to flee. Save the Children’s South Sudan Country Director, Chris Nyamandi, warned that the absence of humanitarian workers will have serious consequences for the population. “The absence of humanitarian workers in Akobo will have serious implications on the population who rely on humanitarian support. The disruption of aid operations risks further exacerbating an already severe humanitarian situation in Jonglei State,” Nyamandi said. He added that many displaced families are already living in extremely difficult conditions. “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,” he said. Nyamandi noted that children are among the most affected by the disruption of humanitarian programmes. “Disruptions to nutrition programmes, health services, child protection services and community support mechanisms place children at heightened risk of malnutrition, disease and other protection concerns,” he said. Save the Children is calling on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians, respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities. The organization has been working in South Sudan since 1991, providing children with access to education, healthcare and nutrition services, and supporting families with food security and livelihood assistance.