Western embassies in South Sudan say actions by the country’s transitional government have contributed to the humanitarian situation in Akobo, according to a joint statement released on April 1, 2026.

The embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States said they had taken note of a call by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) for humanitarian organizations to return to Akobo.

“We note that those organizations left Akobo alongside hundreds of thousands of civilians due to the SSPDF’s military operations,” the statement said.

The embassies added: “We are deeply concerned that actions by South Sudan’s transitional government have contributed to the very humanitarian crisis now requiring international response.”

They also cited access constraints, stating there were “continued reports of denial of humanitarian access including for flights, both for humanitarian supply and relocation purposes.”

The statement called on authorities to “end the violence, return to political dialogue, [and] ensure the protection of all civilians,” adding that “international assistance cannot, and should not, substitute for accountable governance.”

The government is yet to respond to the allegations.