JUBA — A government military offensive in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has forced the mass evacuation of the town of Akobo, with thousands of civilians fleeing their homes amid intense fighting, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned.

The offensive, launched by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) against opposition holdouts, has triggered a new wave of displacement in the already volatile region. MSF reported that its teams on the ground have witnessed a significant influx of wounded civilians seeking medical attention at its facilities.

The situation in Akobo is catastrophic. People are fleeing in all directions, many leaving behind everything they own, said an MSF spokesperson. Our medical teams are overwhelmed by the number of casualties, including women and children.

The violence comes amid a broader deterioration of security across South Sudan, with the 2018 peace agreement showing increasing signs of strain. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected areas.

Local authorities report that the fighting has disrupted food supplies and essential services, raising fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis. Jonglei State has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months, with inter-communal clashes and government operations contributing to widespread displacement.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also reported a sharp increase in medical evacuations as conflict intensifies across the country, with its teams struggling to keep pace with the growing needs.

Image Credit: MSF