JUBA — Save the Children has confirmed that one of its branded vehicles recently seen in the possession of armed actors in Jonglei State was seized from the humanitarian organization earlier this year, distancing itself from reports linking the aid agency to the vehicle’s current use.
The clarification follows the circulation of images on social media showing a vehicle bearing Save the Children branding being used by armed personnel. The images emerged amid reports that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) of using the vehicle.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Save the Children said the vehicle was among four of its vehicles that were forcibly taken in January during insecurity in Walgak, in eastern Jonglei State.
“The vehicle in question is one of four Save the Children vehicles that were forcibly taken in January this year,” the organization said.
The aid agency stressed that the vehicles have remained outside its control since they were seized.
“Since the seizure, the vehicles have not been under Save the Children’s control or operation,” the statement added.
Save the Children also recalled that shortly after the vehicles were taken, armed groups attacked its operations in Walgak. According to the organization, armed gangs looted and burned its office and destroyed a healthcare centre in the area in early February, disrupting humanitarian services for vulnerable communities.
The organization strongly condemned the use of humanitarian assets by armed actors, saying such actions undermine humanitarian work and risk eroding trust in aid agencies operating in conflict-affected areas.
“We strongly condemn the misuse of humanitarian assets and reiterate that Save the Children does not support or facilitate the activities of any armed actor,” the organization said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality, saying it remains focused on delivering assistance to children and families in need across South Sudan.
The statement comes as humanitarian organizations continue to face growing security challenges in several parts of South Sudan, where conflict, attacks on aid facilities and the looting of humanitarian assets have increasingly hampered relief operations.
Neither the SSPDF nor the SPLA-IO had publicly responded to Save the Children’s statement at the time of publication.
