Humanitarian access dispute in Jonglei State
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has accused government forces in Juba of blocking humanitarian assistance to opposition-held locations in South Sudan’s Jonglei State. The movement argues that limits on access are aggravating civilian hardship in remote communities.
Uror County: Pathai Payam attack allegations
In a statement obtained by Sudans Post and dated Wednesday, January 14, 2026, SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng said civilians in Pathai Payam of Uror County were attacked the previous night. He said injured people were transported to a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Lankien the following morning.
“In Pathai Payam of Uror County, civilians were bombed with chemicals last night, and several of them were wounded,” Pal Mai Deng said. He added that “the wounded were taken to MSF hospital in Lankien in the morning today [Wednesday].”
Sudans Post reported it was not immediately able to reach MSF for comment. The outlet also said there was no immediate response from the South Sudanese government regarding the allegations.
Pathai Payam control and recent military claims
The statement follows earlier claims by the SPLM-IO’s military wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), that it captured Pathai payam in late December 2025. Sudans Post noted the area reportedly hosts a military barracks, and suggested the move may have triggered a reaction from the SSPDF.
Akobo and Greater Lou: ICRC access questioned
Pal Mai Deng further alleged that international medical responders have been prevented from reaching Greater Lou areas, including Akobo, which he described as being under SPLM-IO control. He cited what he called “unverified reports within the humanitarian community” about limitations on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“ICRC, which provides better medical services for the war wounded, is not allowed by the regime to come down to Greater Lou (Akobo), where SPLM/A-IO is in charge, to provide medical treatment for wounded civilians,” he said.
Sudans Post reported no immediate public response from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management or from the ICRC to these claims.
International law concerns and calls to humanitarian actors
The SPLM-IO official framed the alleged restrictions as a “humanitarian access blockade” and argued they contravene international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. He claimed the denial of aid is being used as a tool to pressure communities in contested areas.
“In violation of Humanitarian law, Human Rights law and the UN charter, the regime has imposed on Greater Lou (Akobo) and other SPLM/A-IO controlled areas a humanitarian access blockade,” Pal Mai Deng said.
The SPLM-IO urged the United Nations, humanitarian organisations and international partners to oppose restrictions on relief work. “We call on the UN, NGOs and the International Community to reject the regime’s restriction of humanitarian assistance,” the statement said.
Aid operations: a recurring challenge in South Sudan conflict
Humanitarian access has long been a contentious issue in South Sudan, with aid agencies frequently warning that insecurity and administrative procedures can impede operations in hard-to-reach locations. Jonglei State is often cited as a difficult environment for sustained assistance and medical referrals.
The report also referenced a decision in early January by the United States to suspend foreign assistance in Ayod County, Jonglei State, and to review aid to Western Bahr el-Ghazal State, citing “continued abuse and obstruction” by South Sudanese officials affecting humanitarian work.
According to the same account, authorities in Ayod County later apologised to the U.S. Embassy in Juba, attributing interference at the Ayod–Uror border on January 2 to an unauthorised police officer.
Outlook for Uror and Akobo humanitarian corridors
With competing narratives and limited independent confirmations in the public record, humanitarian access in Uror and Greater Lou remains closely watched by agencies and local communities. The absence of immediate official responses leaves key questions open, even as stakeholders continue to press for predictable, safe corridors for relief delivery.