SSPDF orders civilian evacuation from SPLA-IO areas ahead of Jonglei offensive

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have issued sweeping directives ordering civilians, humanitarian workers, and United Nations personnel to leave opposition-controlled areas of Jonglei State ahead of a looming military offensive dubbed Operation Enduring Peace.

In a press statement released on Saturday, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced precautionary measures targeting areas under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), particularly Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties, citing imminent military operations.

“With imminent commencement of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’, all civil population in SPLA-IO controlled areas of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo are directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible,” the statement read.

The army further ordered armed civilians who do not wish to participate in hostilities to surrender their weapons at the nearest SSPDF garrison without delay. The youth who are not members of the White Army — a Nuer-dominated community militia allied with the SPLA-IO — were instructed to relocate their families and livestock to government-held territories.

In a stark warning, the SSPDF said any armed civilians found near SPLA-IO barracks, assembly points, or rally grounds would be considered legitimate military targets.

“All NGOs and UNMISS personnel operating and working in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties are given 48 hours to leave,” the statement added.

The directive comes amid escalating military tensions in Jonglei State following recent clashes between government forces and opposition fighters, alongside mobilization of the White Army in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei. The security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, raising fears of large-scale civilian displacement and humanitarian disruption.

Jonglei has long been a flashpoint in South Sudan’s conflict, with cycles of intercommunal violence and clashes between government and opposition forces persisting despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Analysts warn that renewed full-scale fighting could undermine the fragile political transition and worsen the country’s already dire humanitarian crisis.

The SSPDF order for NGOs and UNMISS staff to vacate the affected counties within 48 hours has raised concerns among humanitarian observers, who fear interruption of aid delivery in remote communities already facing food insecurity and limited access to medical services.

UN agencies have not yet publicly responded to the directive, though humanitarian actors operating in Jonglei have previously warned that shrinking humanitarian space and insecurity continue to hamper relief efforts.

While the army says the measures are intended to protect civilians, forced evacuations under conflict conditions often expose communities to further risk, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and access to safe government-held areas.