Hundreds of residents in Akobo County staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday, demanding the release of humanitarian cash assistance they said had been delayed in the capital, Juba, amid growing concerns over access to aid in the conflict-affected area.
The demonstrators alleged that cash assistance intended for vulnerable families had been withheld by government authorities, although the government has not publicly responded to the claims. Radio Tamazuj has not independently verified the allegations.
Akobo, in Jonglei State, was the scene of heavy fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) between March and April. Government forces briefly seized the town before opposition fighters retook it in mid-April.
The clashes displaced thousands of people, many of whom have only recently begun returning home.
Speaking during the protest, a displaced youth identified as Par said residents were calling for humanitarian assistance to be delivered without political interference.
“We are demanding the release of the cash assistance that is stuck in Juba,” he said. “We appeal to the international community to engage the government so that aid can reach people in Akobo without obstruction.”
Par accused Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok of politicising humanitarian assistance and claimed that aid destined for Akobo had been blocked. He also alleged that the restrictions were preventing assistance from reaching areas controlled by the opposition. The governor has not commented on the allegations.
Another protester, Elizabeth Mer Gatluak, said residents were also demonstrating over the poor state of healthcare services in Akobo.
She said the county’s teaching hospital lacks basic diagnostic equipment, including X-ray, ultrasound and laboratory testing facilities, and appealed for medical supplies and improved mental health services.
“We need equipment to diagnose patients and treat them properly,” she said. “Many people are also struggling with mental health conditions, but there are no adequate services.”
Another demonstrator urged authorities to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the county without delay.
“We need medicines, fuel, cash assistance and unrestricted humanitarian flights,” the protester said. “People here continue to suffer.”
Akobo’s Paramount Chief, Thow Deng Gol, also called on the international community to press the South Sudanese government to ensure humanitarian access.
“No party to the conflict should obstruct humanitarian assistance,” he said. “We are asking that aid be allowed to reach our people in the same way it reaches other communities.”
Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that insecurity and logistical challenges continue to hamper aid delivery in several parts of South Sudan, particularly in areas affected by conflict. Aid agencies have consistently called on all parties to guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The South Sudanese government has previously said it supports humanitarian operations across the country, but aid agencies have on several occasions reported delays and access restrictions in conflict-affected areas.
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