Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has evacuated critical staff members from its healthcare facility in Akobo County, Jonglei State, following a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the area.
The evacuation took place on 24 January after MSF received a clear instruction from relevant authorities and conducted its own security assessment amid escalating tensions.
As a result of the move, MSF said its medical activities in Akobo have been reduced to a minimum, raising concerns over access to lifesaving healthcare for thousands of people who rely on the facility.
MSF described the decision as deeply regrettable, noting that it comes at a time when humanitarian needs in Akobo are particularly severe due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
The organization said the reduced presence will significantly limit its ability to provide essential services, including emergency care, maternal health, and treatment for communicable diseases.
“This is a deplorable situation given the scale of medical needs in the region,” MSF said in a statement, adding that the safety of its staff remains a top priority.
The organization emphasized that the evacuation was not taken lightly and reflects the seriousness of the security threats on the ground.
The withdrawal from Akobo follows a similar evacuation from Lankien, also in Jonglei State, where MSF was forced to relocate staff earlier due to insecurity.
The back-to-back evacuations highlight the increasingly challenging operating environment for humanitarian organizations in parts of Greater Upper Nile.
MSF said it will continue to closely monitor the situation in Akobo County and make further decisions regarding the continuation or resumption of healthcare services depending on security conditions.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to returning full medical operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
Humanitarian actors have repeatedly warned that insecurity in Jonglei State is disrupting aid delivery and leaving vulnerable communities without access to basic services.
With MSF operations now scaled down in both Akobo and Lankien, aid agencies fear a growing gap in healthcare provision for conflict-affected populations.
MSF has called on all parties to the conflict to respect humanitarian principles and ensure the protection of civilians, medical facilities, and health workers, in line with international humanitarian law.
