In the Town of Akobo
The civil war is escalating in South Sudan. Renewed fighting between government (the SSPDF) and opposition forces (the SPLA-IO) is intensifying a humanitarian crisis in a region long overlooked by the West. Since December, over 280,000 people have already been displaced across Jonglei state, with many fleeing across the border into Ethiopia. Homes have been burnt, water poisoned and hospitals destroyed or looted. In the town of Akobo, the situation is most acute. At the beginning of this month, people were ordered to leave by government forces. The SSPDF then launched military offences and those who remained were killed or injured. Everyone has fled. This includes many humanitarian organisations who have had to suspend operations, leaving over 20,000 displaced civilians without food, shelter, healthcare or clean drinking water – these are basic human needs. Internally displaced people gather around a church compound in Akobo on 21/02/26. Figure source: Florence Miettaux, 2026. As someo...