UN says humanitarian access agreed for conflict-affected Akobo

The acting United Nations humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan has welcomed commitments by transitional government parties to facilitate humanitarian access to Akobo in Jonglei State, saying a narrow window remains to reach vulnerable communities before the rainy season worsens conditions.

Dr. Humphrey Karamagi said in a Friday statement that discussions with authorities had led to assurances on safe and secure access for aid workers as well as protection for humanitarian personnel and supplies.

Humanitarian agencies say they are ready to scale up emergency food, nutrition, health and protection assistance, with teams and supplies already pre-positioned in anticipation of improved access.

The urgency follows an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis which identified Akobo as one of the counties in Jonglei projected to face catastrophic levels of hunger and acute malnutrition between April and July 2026.

Following clashes in March and April, displacement remains widespread. An estimated 200,000 people have been displaced, including more than 100,000 who crossed into Tiergol in Ethiopia, according to humanitarian sources.

Civilian infrastructure in Akobo, including the main hospital, has been looted and damaged, disrupting essential health services.

Hundreds of civilians who recently returned to Akobo staged a peaceful demonstration on May 2, calling on the United Nations to halt plans to close its temporary operating base in the area.

Akobo, near the border with Ethiopia, has seen recent fighting between government forces and opposition fighters that forced residents to flee across the border. Opposition SPLM IO forces recaptured the town from government troops on April 13.

Dr. Karamagi said full, safe and sustained humanitarian access was essential to deliver lifesaving assistance and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has also supported efforts to maintain a secure environment for aid workers and the delivery of relief supplies.