Watch: Akobo Demonstrators Demand Fuel, Medicine and Cash Held in Juba

(AKOBO COUNTY) – Hundreds of residents in Akobo County in Jonglei State held a peaceful protest on Wednesday, demanding the release of humanitarian cash assistance they say has been held up in Juba, as concerns grow over access to aid in the conflict affected area.

The demonstrators claimed that cash assistance meant for vulnerable families had been withheld by government authorities. The government has not yet responded publicly to the claims.

Akobo, located in Jonglei State, saw heavy fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition between March and April.

Government forces briefly seized the town before opposition fighters retook it in mid April. The clashes forced thousands of people from their homes, and many have only recently started to return.

A displaced youth who identified himself as Par spoke during the protest. He 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,” Par 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. He claimed that aid meant for Akobo had been blocked and that the restrictions were stopping 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. She 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.”

A further 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 warned repeatedly that insecurity and logistical challenges continue to hamper aid delivery in several parts of South Sudan, especially in areas affected by conflict. Aid agencies have called on all parties to guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law.

The South Sudanese government has previously said it supports humanitarian operations across the country. However, aid agencies have on several occasions reported delays and access restrictions in conflict affected areas.