Akobo County insecurity prompts MSF evacuation
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has evacuated critical staff members from its healthcare facility in Akobo County, Jonglei State, after what it described as a sharp deterioration in local security.
The evacuation took place on 24 January, following a clear instruction from relevant authorities and MSF’s own security assessment amid escalating tensions, according to the organisation.
Healthcare services scaled down in Jonglei State
MSF said the move has reduced its medical activities in Akobo to a minimum, raising concerns about access to lifesaving care for the thousands of people who rely on the facility.
The organisation described the decision as deeply regrettable, saying it comes as humanitarian needs in Akobo are particularly severe due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
Emergency care, maternal health and disease treatment at risk
With fewer staff on the ground, MSF said its ability to provide essential services will be significantly limited, including emergency care, maternal health support and treatment for communicable diseases.
“This is a deplorable situation given the scale of medical needs in the region,” MSF said in a statement, while stressing that staff safety remains its top priority.
Lankien evacuation adds pressure on aid operations
MSF said the Akobo withdrawal follows a similar evacuation from Lankien, also in Jonglei State, where it previously relocated staff due to insecurity.
Taken together, the back-to-back evacuations underline a more challenging operating environment for humanitarian organisations in parts of Greater Upper Nile, as aid delivery faces repeated disruption.
MSF monitoring security and urges protection of health workers
MSF said it will continue to closely monitor the situation in Akobo County and take further decisions on the continuation or resumption of services depending on security conditions. The organisation said it remains committed to returning full medical operations when it is safe.
Humanitarian actors have repeatedly warned that insecurity in Jonglei State leaves vulnerable communities without basic services. MSF called on all parties to respect humanitarian principles and protect civilians, medical facilities and health workers, in line with international humanitarian law (Standard Zone News; MSF statement).