Armed gangs have looted and burned a Save the Children field office and destroyed a primary healthcare centre in Walgak, eastern South Sudan, forcing the aid agency to suspend operations in the area as violence continues to displace hundreds of thousands of people.
The attacks occurred in Akobo County, Jonglei state, amid escalating clashes that have intensified over the past four weeks. Save the Children said more than 235,000 people have been driven from their homes during the fighting, leaving communities increasingly dependent on humanitarian assistance.
The organisation said it had withdrawn its 30 staff from Walgak after its office was razed and its Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) destroyed, cutting off essential health services for hundreds of children and families. The assault followed the seizure of four Save the Children vehicles last week.
Save the Children said it has relief supplies ready for delivery but cannot resume work until security conditions improve. Chris Nyamandi, the agency’s South Sudan Country Director, warned that the situation was rapidly deteriorating despite engagement with authorities and local leaders.
“We have had no choice but to indefinitely suspend our operations in Walgak following repeated attacks, despite the devastating impact this will have on families and children who rely on us for essential services,” Nyamandi said. “When aid facilities are attacked, it is civilians — especially children — who suffer the consequences. These actions are unacceptable and must stop.”
He added that humanitarian assets must be protected, warning that attacks on aid organisations “only deepen the suffering of already vulnerable communities.”
The destruction has drawn condemnation from the United Nations. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said the attack had cut off vital services for families fleeing violence.
“The destruction of a Save the Children office and health centre in Jonglei has cut off essential services for families fleeing violence,” Fletcher said in a post on X. “Aid workers and facilities must be protected. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and allow safe, unimpeded access — now.”
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The incident comes amid renewed clashes in Jonglei and neighbouring Upper Nile state, which erupted in late December. Fighting has been reported between government forces, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), and opposition groups aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). Multiple sources have confirmed the use of airstrikes, alongside reports of daily civilian casualties.
Since late December, an estimated 280,000 people have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded displacement camps or fleeing across international borders. Humanitarian operations have been severely disrupted, including the suspension of UN food aid deliveries following attacks on relief convoys.
The interruptions have intensified hunger and malnutrition, while cholera treatment centres are struggling to cope with rising caseloads linked to poor sanitation in displacement sites.
Food security conditions are deteriorating rapidly, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network. Northern Jonglei and Upper Nile are among the worst affected areas, where ongoing insecurity has disrupted farming activities and restricted humanitarian access. Aid agencies warn that blocked supply routes and reduced assistance are likely to worsen food shortages in the coming months.
The suspension of Save the Children’s operations highlights growing concern over the escalating conflict in South Sudan and its mounting toll on civilians.
Source: Armed gangs loot and burn Save the Children office in South Sudan’s Jonglei | Geeska
