The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak (in yellow tie), poses for a group photo with Akobo leaders during a meeting in Juba on Monday. Photo: Office of the Minister.

Leaders from Akobo County in Jonglei State have appealed for urgent relief assistance for more than 150,000 people facing severe hunger and other humanitarian challenges.

The leaders made the appeal after meeting with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, in Juba on Monday.

The delegation, led by Akobo National Member of Parliament Timathy Taban Jac, urged the government to respond to the worsening humanitarian situation in Kaikuiny, Diror, Buong and Alali.

Akobo Paramount Chief Keer Puok said many civilians remain in their communities despite the ongoing conflict and are struggling to access food, clean water, shelter and other basic services.

“There are still people in Akobo who are staying in their communities and facing severe shortages of basic services,” the chief said.

He called for an end to the conflict between government and opposition forces, saying civilians have been among those most affected.

The community leaders said some residents have been forced to flee their homes, while those who remain have limited access to humanitarian assistance.

Minister Albino Akol Atak said the government is aware of the situation and is working with humanitarian partners to respond to the needs of affected communities.

He said food has already been delivered to some areas through air drops, following an earlier commitment by the ministry.

Minister Akol also announced plans for his ministry and humanitarian partners to visit Akobo and surrounding areas to assess the situation and identify the most urgent needs.

He said he would present the concerns raised by the delegation to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Akobo County has been at the center of recent fighting involving government forces, the SPLA-IO and allied White Army elements.

In the latest violence in July, the Akobo County Commissioner was killed during clashes between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters in Walgak, Akobo County.

The fighting also displaced civilians and worsened the humanitarian situation in the area.