A government-mandated evacuation in South Sudan's Akobo East has forced tens of thousands to flee, cutting off critical aid programs for over 200,000 people and plunging the region into deeper crisis, Oxfam reports. With humanitarian operations suspended, families now face starvation, violence, and repeated displacement—all while global attention remains scattered.
From Bad to Catastrophic 🚨
Even before the evacuation order, residents survived on wild fruits and leaves. The town, already sheltering 82,000 displaced people, saw conditions spiral as conflict in Jonglei State intensified. Now, women and children—over half the displaced—risk abduction, sexual violence, and forced marriage as they flee.
‘Exhausted People, No Safe Options’
Oxfam’s Shabnam Baloch warned: "Living conditions were already extremely poor… now exhausted people are being forced to move again." Many had recently fled violence in Walgak, only to be uprooted once more. Local aid workers describe families scrambling into the wilderness with little more than the clothes they wear.
Border Crossings Overwhelmed 🌐
Over 37,000 people have crossed into Ethiopia’s Gambella region, joining 78,000 South Sudanese refugees already there. But Ethiopia—struggling with drought and funding cuts—can barely provide clean water or food. Meanwhile, Tergol border town strains under new arrivals.
As the world’s eyes turn elsewhere, South Sudan’s crisis risks becoming a forgotten emergency. 💔
