Troika urges SSPDF to revoke Akobo evacuation order as UNMISS rejects directive

JUBA – The Troika has urged the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to revoke its order directing civilians, humanitarian agencies and United Nations peacekeepers to leave Akobo County ahead of planned military operations, as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) publicly rejected the directive and vowed to remain in the area to protect civilians.

In separate statements issued on Monday, the diplomatic group and the UN mission warned that the evacuation order—issued on March 6 by the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces—could endanger hundreds of thousands of civilians and worsen the already fragile humanitarian situation in Jonglei State.

The Troika, which represents the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Norway, said it was deeply concerned by reports that the national army had given UNMISS, humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations and civilians 72 hours to leave Akobo town and surrounding areas before an offensive against positions believed to be held by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).

“We strongly urge that this order be revoked,” the Troika said in its statement addressed to President Salva Kiir.

The diplomatic partners warned that proceeding with the evacuation order and the planned offensive could lead to significant civilian casualties and large-scale displacement.

“We fear that this order and threatened offensive, if implemented, will lead to further deaths, displacement and suffering for the South Sudanese people,” the statement said.

According to the Troika, Akobo County currently hosts approximately 245,000 people, including thousands of internally displaced persons who fled previous violence in other parts of Jonglei State.

Diplomats also emphasized that the presence of UNMISS peacekeepers in Akobo is legitimate and necessary to fulfill the mission’s Chapter VII mandate from the United Nations Security Council, which authorizes the mission to support peace efforts and protect civilians.

The Troika further noted that the military directive appears inconsistent with recent assurances given by South Sudan’s leadership to cooperate with the United Nations and allow unhindered humanitarian access to vulnerable communities.

The statement also referenced a recent communiqué by the African Union Peace and Security Council, which called for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue to advance implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS).

Meanwhile, UNMISS said it continues to engage national, state and local authorities following the SSPDF announcement ordering civilians to relocate from Akobo town and nearby villages.

In its press release issued in Juba on Monday, the mission confirmed that the directive also instructed UN peacekeepers and humanitarian partners to withdraw from the area within 72 hours.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS, warned that any military operations in or around Akobo could place civilians in serious danger.

“Any military operations in and around Akobo gravely endanger the safety and security of civilians,” she said. “Therefore, we rely on the assurances provided by all parties that they will take every possible measure to protect communities.”

Despite the directive, UNMISS reaffirmed that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo to provide protection for civilians.

“The Mission reaffirms that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo, providing a protective presence for civilians,” the statement said.

UNMISS also stressed that the safety and security of UN personnel, facilities and assets must be respected at all times.

The SSPDF evacuation order is linked to the planned second phase of the army’s “Operation Enduring Peace,” which targets areas believed to be under the control of SPLM/A-IO forces in Jonglei State.

The developments have heightened fears among humanitarian organizations and diplomats that renewed fighting in Akobo could trigger further displacement and deepen the humanitarian crisis in northeastern South Sudan.